Ruth Gibbins, Liam Payne's sister, has posted a heartfelt tribute to her brother, who passed away on October 16, expressing her disbelief and sorrow in an emotional Instagram post.
- October 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - Liam Payne, former One Direction star, passed away tragically at age 31. His sister, Ruth Gibbins, took to social media to share an emotional tribute, shedding light on their close bond and her immense grief.
In her heartfelt Instagram post on October 19, Gibbins recalled, "I don't believe this is happening … Liam is my best friend, no one could ever make me laugh as much as him." Payne, who moved away at 17 to pursue music, found fame on the U.K.'s talent show "The X Factor", eventually joining the globally successful band One Direction.
Gibbins painted a picture of their sibling relationship filled with joy, late-night phone calls, and mutual support. "Liam loved 1D," she reminisced, referring to his bandmates as "his brothers." Over the years, Gibbins often drove long distances to see Payne and share moments of laughter and support. "Liam knew he could call me anytime… talking through his plans and working through his issues."
The pain of recent loss resonated deeply in her post. "Liam, My brain is struggling to catch up with what's happening and I don't understand where you've gone," she wrote. Reflecting on his character, she noted, "What I love most about you is your ability to make me laugh." She described Payne as someone "born with music in his veins," proud of his work yet exceptionally humble.
Payne's untimely death on October 16 after he fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur hotel in Argentina, has left his family and friends devastated. "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts," they said in a statement. Gibbins' tribute included photos of family gatherings, weddings, and candid moments that encapsulate their bond.
Gibbins also assured Payne's seven-year-old son, Bear, that he would always know how "incredible his Dad is." She wrote, "I'm sorry I couldn't save you. Love you, oh how my heart misses you." Ruth vowed to keep Payne's memory alive and continue supporting his legacy.
Joining in the tributes, Cheryl Cole, Payne's former partner, and Bear's mother, voiced her sorrow. "It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect [Bear] from that in his future," she posted. The entire family, including Payne's other sister Nicola, is leaning on each other for support during this difficult time.
