Liam Payne’s sister Ruth Gibbins apologized for not being able to “save” him in a heartbreaking social media tribute following the former One Direction member’s shocking death on Wednesday.
“I don’t believe this is happening,” she began in her Instagram post Saturday.
“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.”
Gibbins went on to discuss some of her favorite memories with Payne, which included having tea with him after work and picking him up after One Direction concerts.
“I used to love picking him up from work when it all started, especially after concerts, speeding us away from venues or appearances, Liam plugging in his phone to show me the new songs for albums,” she recalled.
“Liam loved 1D, he loved his brothers and we talked about it so much. He would just play song after song that had been recorded but never used and we’d sit having a mini 1D concert.”
Gibbins also touched on Payne’s personal struggles over the last few years.
“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,” she penned.
“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.”
Gibbons promised to “take care of” Payne’s 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole.
“He will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you idolize him,” she wrote. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. Love you, oh how my heart misses you.”
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The older sister concluded, “One last time I need you to know, I’m here if you need anything, I’d drive to the end of the universe to bring you back.”
Gibbons shared several photos of her with her famous brother in her Instagram carousel as well.
Her post comes after Payne’s family released a joint statement, in which they said they were “heartbroken” over the “What Makes You Beautiful” singer’s death.
Aside from Gibbons, Payne also had another older sister: Nicola Payne.
The singer’s father, Geoff Payne, arrived in Argentina Friday to pay his respects where his son died.
Liam died at age 31 after fracturing his skull, suffering multiple traumas, internal and external bleeding due to a three-story fall from his hotel room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires police officers told TMZ Friday that he was under the influence of a dangerous hallucinogenic drug called “cristal” when he died.
The drug reportedly makes users experience “extreme highs and extreme lows, often making them aggressive.”
Several hotel guests reported seeing the “Strip That Down” singer acting erratically in the hours leading up to his death, which included angry outbursts and smashing his laptop.
Page Six exclusively reported Friday that the star had been “battling a very significant drug addiction” before he died and that his treatment “was not working.”
Liam had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse in the past.
In 2019, he said his drinking was at its worst when he was in One Direction. Two years later, he admitted he was also on drugs and said it was a “severe” problem.
Liam has been remembered as a talented musician and supportive friend by his loved ones following his unexpected death.
The investigation into his death is still ongoing.
English (US) ·