Liam Payne's sister pays tribute to former X Factor star after death

Ruth Gibbins said Liam's family has been devastated by his death

Author: Rory GannonPublished 19th Oct 2024

Liam Payne's sister has given an emotional tribute to her brother following his shock passing.

Ruth Gibbins posted a statement to her Instagram account on Saturday afternoon (October 19th) in the first public address by Liam's family on his death.

The One Direction star had been staying at the CasaSur hotel in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires when he fell from the hotel's third floor on Wednesday (October 16th).

Hotel staff had been concerned about his welfare in the lead-up to the fall and had asked for ambulance to come to the scene.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but arrived at the hotel seven minutes after he had fallen and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Addressing fans, Ruth expressed her sorrow at losing her brother, saying that his sudden passing had affected the family deeply.

"I don't believe this is happening," she wrote. "Many times have I poured my heart out publicly with pride about Liam but never much about life as his sister.

"Liam is my best friend, no one could ever make me laugh as much as him, doing his impressions always had me creasing and he loved seeing how much of a laugh he could get."

After sharing some of her memories of her brother, Ruth added: "My brain is struggling to catch up with what's happening and I don't understand where you've gone.

"I don't feel this world was good enough or kind enough to you, and quite often over the last few years, you've had to really try hard to overcome all that was being aimed at you. You just wanted to be loved and to make people happy with your music. You never believed you were good enough, I hope you can now see this outpouring of love that you never received in your time."

Ruth went on to thank Liam for the light that he brought the world and the love that he gave to his family and friends.

"We'll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you idolise him," she finished.

Investigations into the singer's death are ongoing, with authorities in Argentina looking to piece together the events leading up to his death.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.