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Liam Payne's sister Ruth Gibbins pens emotional tribute to late brother: 'I'm sorry, I couldn't save you'
Ruth Gibbins, the sister of former One Direction member Liam Payne, took to Instagram to mourn the death of her brother.
In her post, Gibbins shared some snaps of her with Liam alongside a heartfelt tribute letter for him.
"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," Gibbins began.
She then went to describe the British singer as her best friend who is the only person that could make her laugh.
"He moved out when he was 17 to chase his dreams, it's this that forced me to finally pass my driving test during the 'X Factor' live show weeks because I couldn't stand the thought of not being able to get to him," Gibbins said.
She said she regularly drove to have tea with Liam and sit around with him.
"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 said.
Gibbins also shared how much Liam loved One Direction and his bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, whom he called his "brothers."
"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," Gibbon said.
In another letter, Gibbins expressed how proud she is to call Liam her brother and 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 said.
"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," she continued.
Ending her post, Gibbings thanked Liam for the incredible memories, for being the best brother and friend for "changing her life." She also vowed to take care of Bear, Liam's seven-year-old son.
"I'm sorry I couldn't save 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," she said.
Liam died on Wednesday after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires. He was 31 years old.
According to an autopsy report, he suffered 25 injuries, including a serious head injury. Police said he was alone when the incident happened, and there were indications that he experienced an episode due to alleged substance abuse.
One Direction released a joint statement saying they were "completely devastated" by Liam's death. Members Harry, Zayn, Louis, and Niall also released individual tributes.
Tributes also poured in from Liam's fellow artists, like Charlie Puth, Zedd, Paris Hilton, and many more.
Bear's mother and Liam's ex-partner Cheryl Cole also released a statement following his death, while his girlfriend Kate Cassidy said she has "been at a complete loss" about Liam's untimely demise.
Liam pursued a solo career when One Direction had an indefinite hiatus in 2016. His solo songs include "Strip That Down" featuring Quavo, "For You" featuring Rita Ora, and "Bedroom Floor." His latest single, "Teardrops," was released in March.
One Direction had a two-night concert in Manila in 2015. Their hit songs include "Night Changes," "What Makes You Beautiful," and "Story of My Life."
—Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
