Liam Payne’s Sister Ruth Gibbins Shares Emotional Tribute After His Death: ‘I’m Sorry I Couldn’t Save You’

Liam Payne’s sister Ruth Gibbins is speaking out for the first time since the singer’s death.

In a heartbreaking tribute shared on Instagram on Saturday, Oct. 19, Gibbins remembered Payne after he died three days prior at age 31.

“I don’t believe this is happening … 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 began.

Gibbins then explained that Payne “moved out when he was 17 to chase his dreams” and she would often drive to visit him during his time on the U.K.’s talent show The X Factor, in which he appeared before joining One Direction.

Adding that “Liam loved 1D,” and calling his bandmates “his brothers,” she also noted that her sibling “knew he could call me anytime” as the pair would often end up “laughing … [and] talking through his plans and working through his issues.”

“Liam, My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone,” Gibbins continued, addressing her late brother. “… I just want to drive to your house and walk in to music blasting and find you sat there writing a song.”

According to Gibbins, Payne had “such kindness” and the “ability to make me laugh.” She said, “How proud I am to call you 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,” Gibbins added.

Payne pictured in March 2023.

JOSEPH OKPAKO/WIREIMAGE

Then stating that her brother “just wanted to be loved” and “to make people happy” with his music, Gibbins explained, “You never believed you were good enough, I hope you can now see this outpouring of love that you never received in your time.”

She next thanked Payne “for changing my life” and the “incredible memories” as she promised to “take care of” his seven-year-old son Bear.

“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.”

“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,” Gibbins concluded her post.

Gibbins’ tribute was accompanied by several photos of her and Payne on her wedding day, as well as others with their family, which consists of their sister, Nicola, and their parents, mother Karen and father Geoff.

Payne died after falling several stories from a hotel balcony in Argentina on Oct. 16.

The musician’s sister’s tribute to him comes after his family shared in a statement to several outlets, including the BBC, that they were “heartbroken” over his death.