Liam Payne’s devastated sister Ruth breaks silence in emotional statement as she posts unseen photos of late star
LIAM Payne’s sister has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her “best friend” following his tragic death.
The One Direction singer’s sibling Ruth posted a lengthy testimonial to her Instagram page, including a message directly addressing the Little Things singer where she said: “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”
Ruth recalled their happy memories together in the message, before uploading a bittersweet series of images showing their strong bond.
In her emotional message – which came after Liam, 31, passed in Argentina – she wrote: “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.
“He moved out when he was 17 to chase his dreams, its this that forced me to finally pass my driving test during the factor live show weeks because I couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to get to him.
“I would regularly drive to have tea with him after I finished work, just to sit around. One month the hotel was right by a Wagamamas and I swear he had it morning, noon and night!”
Speaking after his X Factor heyday Ruth continued: “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.
“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.
“Liam knew he could call me anytime, any day and I would pick up or that I would always fetch him if he needed to just come home. Our calls would often result in me laughing at his ideas and next adventure, talking through his plans and working through his issues but it would always end with ‘love you miss you’ “love you ru.’
“Liam was born with music in his veins, it was clear from a very young age he just had that quality that would make him a star. I could sit and listen to him sing all day, which is a good job really because he never bloody stopped!
“I will never tire of the look he gives when showing new songs, ‘listen loud’ he’d say and just grin with pride of his work.”
In a very personal, poignant moment, Ruth shared with her followers a list of “notes on my phone with things to tell Liam.”
She then followed this by penning a heart-wrenching tribute to her youngest sibling.
In a direct open letter to Liam, who fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel room, she wrote: “Liam. My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone.
“I just want to drive to your house and walk in to music blasting and find you sat there writing a song or walk in to your art phases and sit with you whilst you draw or craft.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
What I 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.
I’m always in awe of your talent, it should be illegal to be so talented and just have the ability to not only be good at things but be bloody great at everything you attempt, without even knowing you’re absolutely smashing it each time.
I love your kindness and how proud I am to call you my brother and my best friend. You also make a great Sunday dinner too!
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, who is sister to Nicola as well as Liam, candidly added: “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!
“We’ll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you idolise him.”
In a hugely emotional final paragraph, she added: “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.
“Love you, oh how my heart misses you,
“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.”