AceShowbiz - Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, tragically passed away at the age of 31 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Argentina. His sister, Nicola Payne, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking moment she learned of his death via a news alert on her phone.

"When I saw the news pop up on my phone that you had left us I went cold, I wanted so much for this to be untrue. I have spent days hoping that it was a mistake and somebody had got it wrong," she expressed in her emotional tribute.

Nurturing a touching memory of her brother, Nicola remembered him as "an angel who just lived for making people smile and happy" and for "showing kindness to everyone" he met.

She acknowledged that although the family did not take many photos with him to avoid making him feel like he was in a room full of fans, they were his "biggest fans always and forever." She also reflected on Liam's unwavering motto, "why bother doing something unless you are brilliant at it," echoing sentiments shared by those who knew him.

Further details revealed that Liam had been vacationing in Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. At the time of his fall, he appeared to have been alone and was undergoing a "breakdown" as a result of substance abuse, according to authorities. His tragic demise was compounded by the toxicology reports, which showed a cocktail of dangerous substances in his system.

Nicola Payne's message extended beyond personal remembrance, as she conveyed her promise to ensure that Liam's son, Bear, would always know how much his father loved him. "We will make sure Bear knows about his daddy and how much you loved him, we promise this," she wrote.

Liam's other sister, Ruth Gibbins, also shared her grief and regrets over the weekend, expressing sorrow for not being able to save him. She nostalgically recalled their cherished memories, such as having tea after work and attending One Direction concerts. "You never believed you were good enough, I hope you can now see this outpouring of love that you never received in your time," she poignantly noted.

The Payne family released a collective statement asking for privacy at this difficult time while expressing their deep sorrow and continued support for one another. Geoff Payne, Liam's father, traveled to Buenos Aires to see where his son had died and to read tributes left by fans.

As the world mourns Liam Payne's loss, his legacy as a kind, funny, and talented individual continues to resonate with those who knew him personally and through his music with One Direction. His family's heartfelt tributes serve as a reminder of the love and joy he brought into their lives and the countless others he touched along his journey.