Liam Payne’s sister Ruth Gibbins shares tribute on One Direction anniversary with emotional message

Photo: AFP

Liam Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking the 15th anniversary of One Direction — nine months after the singer’s tragic death. Payne, who died at age 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, was remembered through personal family moments and reflections.

Gibbins posted a series of childhood and teenage photos of Liam that had appeared in the band’s Story of My Life music video. Alongside the images, she recalled the day Liam was placed in a boy band after being sent home from The X Factor in 2010 — a moment that changed his life.

Ruth reflected on Liam’s unwavering pride in the band and his continued support for fellow members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. “You always sang their songs and spoke of them and your memories,” she wrote. “They were the brothers you’d always wanted.”

She also shared touching behind-the-scenes moments — including laughter over recreating an awkward family photo for a music video, and a memory from a trip to Los Angeles, where Liam teased her for missing David Beckham at one of his shows. “Every day in your company was tonic for my soul,” she wrote.

Ruth’s post comes shortly after Liam’s other sister, Nicola Payne, posted her own tribute after watching her late brother in Netflix’s Building The Band. “I still find it incredibly hard to process what happened,” she wrote. “I’m not sure I ever fully will.”

Reflecting on working alongside Liam on the series, judge Nicole Scherzinger told People he was generous, passionate, and deeply connected to the artists. “This was his happy place,” she said. “He loved to help.”

Liam’s memory continues to resonate with fans and family alike, 15 years after the journey began.