The sisters of Liam Payne are reflecting on their profound grief one year after his tragic passing. The former One Direction star died on October 2024, at the age of 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His sister, Ruth Gibbins, shared her emotional struggle on social media, expressing how deeply the loss has affected her daily life.
In an Instagram tribute, Gibbins described her grief as “paralysing.” She admitted, “I underestimated grief, woah, did I underestimate it. I am paralysed by it daily.” Gibbins articulated the depth of her sorrow, stating that she had taken for granted the presence of her brother. “You are the loss of my life, the one person who I will miss at every single occasion in my life,” she wrote.
Her reflections included harrowing details of a recurring nightmare where she finds herself in his hotel room, unable to reach him. “My brain is locked on your last minutes on this earth, the unaccounted minutes, the minutes that changed everything,” Gibbins added, illustrating the ongoing impact of her brother’s death on her mental state.
Tributes from Family Members
Also marking the anniversary, Nicola Payne, Liam’s other sister, shared her ongoing remembrance of him. In her statement, she acknowledged him “every day” and emphasized the importance of keeping his memory alive for her daughter, Ffion. “A year ago today marks a date I never wanted to see again,” she wrote. “The day our lives changed forever, and our hearts were left broken, with pieces missing.”
Nicola recalled a specific moment from the night of Liam’s death, revealing how unaware she was of his struggles. “Me and Ffion were watching Dinosaur on the TV, and I said to her, next time we see Uncle Liam, he’ll be able to tell you all the dinosaurs, as he loves them.” This poignant recollection underscores the stark contrast between their family life and the tragedy that unfolded.
In her tribute, Nicola also made a promise to ensure that Liam’s eight-year-old son, Bear, knows everything about his “amazing daddy.” Bear is the son of Liam and pop star Cheryl, and his mother is dedicated to preserving Liam’s legacy for him.
The emotional tributes from both sisters highlight the profound impact of Liam Payne’s death on his family. As they navigate their grief, they continue to celebrate his memory, ensuring that he remains a cherished part of their lives.
For anyone struggling with grief or mental health issues, support is available. Organizations such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and beyondblue (1300 22 4636) offer assistance to those in need.
