Liam Payne’s sister has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late brother, who she called her “best friend”, after the singer passed away in Argentina on Wednesday aged 31.
The former One Direction star fell from his third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel, sustaining injuries that were “incompatible with life”.
Ruth has broken her silence on his tragic passing, making a heartbreaking vow to his seven-year-old son, Bear.
She posted on social media: “I don’t believe this is happening. 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.”
She shared some of her favourite memories with her younger brother, ranging from him playing her the new One Direction songs like a “mini-concert”, to their endless conversations on the phone, where he would always sign off with a “love you Ru”.
Addressing her brother directly in a heartfelt message, she wrote: “Liam, my brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone.
“What I do love most about you is your ability to make me laugh, I never chuckle as much as I do when I’m with you with anyone else.”
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He is survived by his seven-year-old son Bear
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Ruth also wrote: “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.
“Thank you for changing my life, thank you for the incredible memories, thank you for being the best brother and friend I’ll ever have.”
She vowed to take care of Bear and promised that he will “always know how incredible his dad is and how much you idolise him”.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you,” she added.
He had been travelling with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who left the city two days ago
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“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.”
Payne’s death was announced on Wednesday after police discovered his body following a fall from his hotel room.
Officers had initially been called to the hotel by distressed staff who reported “an aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol”.
The transcript from the 911 call shows how staff we concerned about the man’s wellbeing. Alleged photos from inside Payne’s supposed hotel room show a broken TV and white powder strewn over the room.
The following day, Payne’s family said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
