Following the tragic passing of One Direction star and musician Liam Payne, aged 31, his sister Ruth Gibbins has shared a tender social media tribute celebrating his life.
“I don’t believe this is happening. Many times I have poured my heart out publicly with pride about Liam but never much about life as his sister,” Ruth wrote in an extensive statement, accompanied by images of her with her brother on her wedding day and in a series of heartfelt family moments.
“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,” she added, praising his sense of humour and their intimate bond.
She then described his early career with pride, stating that he “moved out when he was 17 to chase his dreams” and recalling how she would drive to see him during the X Factor live shows and pick him up after concerts and appearances at the beginning of his fame.
Continuing, Ruth shared how Liam “loved 1D” and “loved his brothers” and that he was “born with music in his veins”, before opening up about her sense of grief and loss.
“Liam, My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone,” she added, addressing her late brother directly. “I just want to drive to your house and walk in to music blasting and find you sat there writing a song.”
She then added that she was “proud” to call Liam”my brother and my best friend”.
“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,” Ruth wrote.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you,” she said, bringing her statement to a close. “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.”
Other close members of Liam’s circle have paid their respects following his passing, such as his One Direction bandmates, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he co-parented his 7-year-old child Bear.
Our thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and in their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.