Liam Payne’s sister has spoken out following the singer’s tragic and shocking loss.
The 31-year-old fell to his death this week from a three-story balcony while spending time at a hotel in Argentina.
Authorities are investigating the incident and trying to determine exactly what happened, although it seems sadly clear at this point that Payne was in a very disturbed state of mind.
Now, as fans try to come to terms with this unexpected loss, Payne’s brother has issued an emotional message in honor of his brother.
“Liam is my best friend,” wrote Ruth Gibbons via Instagram on October 19. “No one could ever make me laugh as much as him, doing his imitations always made me pucker up and he loved seeing how much he could laugh. ”
Ruth then recalled the early days of Payne’s career… when he became a member of One Direction as a contestant on The X Factor in 2010.
“He moved away when he was 17 to pursue his dreams, that’s what forced me to finally pass my driving test during the X Factor live show,” she continued.
“I couldn’t bear the thought of not being able to get to him. I would regularly drive to have tea with him after finishing work, just to sit around.”
Several loved ones expressed their shock and sadness following Payne’s death, including his former One Direction co-stars and his girlfriend Katie Cassidy.
However, it’s hard not to be especially moved by the reaction of Liam’s family members.
“Liam loved 1D, he loved his brothers and we talked about it a lot. He would just play song after song that had been recorded but never used, and we would sit down and do a mini 1D show,” Ruth continued.
She began to praise her late brother’s kind and generous spirit.
“I don’t think this world was good enough or kind enough to you, and a lot of times in the last few years you’ve had to try really hard to overcome everything that was being directed at you,” she said of her brother. , who battled alcohol addiction and mental health battles throughout his life.
“You just wanted to be loved and make people happy with your music.”
In one particularly touching passage, Ruth made a promise to Liam about his and ex Cheryl Cole’s son, 7-year-old Bear.
“We will take care of Bear and he will always know how amazing his dad is and how much you idolize him,” she wrote. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I love you, oh how my heart misses you, Ru xxx.
Payne’s sister concluded:
“One last time I need you to know, I’m here if you need anything, I would drive to the ends of the universe to bring you back.”
We continue to send our condolences to Liam Payne’s friends, family and loved ones.
May he rest in peace.