“I Still Can’t Believe You’re Gone”: Liam Payne’s Sister Ruth Gibbins Shares Heartfelt Tribute Following His Death
August 5, 2025 – London, UK
In the wake of the heartbreaking news of Liam Payne’s death, fans and loved ones across the globe are mourning the loss of the beloved former One Direction member. Among the many tributes pouring in from across the music world and beyond, one message stood out for its raw emotion and deep personal pain: a heartfelt Instagram post from Liam’s sister, Ruth Gibbins.
Ruth, who has maintained a relatively private life despite her brother’s global fame, took to social media to share a moving message that captured both the depth of her grief and the lasting bond she shared with her brother. Her tribute has since gone viral, resonating with fans who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of the 31-year-old singer.
A Sister’s Grief
In the post, which was shared late Monday night, Ruth Gibbins opened her heart to her followers with a candid and emotional message:
“I still can’t believe you’re gone, Liam. I keep thinking this is all just a nightmare I’ll wake up from. Every time I see your face in the news or hear your voice in one of your songs, it hits me all over again — the emptiness, the disbelief, the heartbreak.”
Her words struck a chord with the millions who followed Liam’s career from his rise on The X Factor to his record-breaking years with One Direction, and later his solo endeavors. But for Ruth, the loss wasn’t just about a global icon — it was about a brother, a friend, and a cherished piece of her life that’s now missing.
“Living Without You Feels Impossible”
Ruth continued in her post by describing the emotional toll Liam’s passing has taken on her and the family. Her words laid bare the struggle of grappling with grief in its rawest form:
“Living without you feels impossible. Every part of our family feels like it’s missing something essential. Your laugh, your texts, your terrible jokes, the way you always made time to check in on everyone — it’s all gone. And I don’t know how we’re supposed to keep going like this.”
She acknowledged the unique pain of losing someone so full of life and light, and the cruel suddenness with which it happened. While the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed publicly, Liam’s unexpected passing has left fans and loved ones shocked and shattered.
Acknowledging His Struggles and Legacy
In a powerful moment of candor, Ruth also spoke about the challenges Liam faced — both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. She thanked the fans who had stood by him, and those who had shown him love, especially in his most difficult moments.
“Liam didn’t always have it easy. Fame isn’t as glamorous as people think. But what he always wanted — more than anything — was to be loved, and to give love. And he did. In every way that mattered. He loved deeply, even when he struggled to show it. Thank you to everyone who loved him — truly. He deserved it more than you’ll ever know.”
Fans have long been aware of Liam’s openness about his mental health battles, including struggles with depression and addiction. Ruth’s words honored both his humanity and his bravery in facing those demons.
Cherished Memories
The post also included a series of never-before-seen family photos: a young Liam playing guitar at a family barbecue, Ruth and Liam dancing together at her wedding, and a candid shot of him reading a bedtime story to Ruth’s children.
“I’m clinging to the memories now — those summer days in the garden, your surprise visits home, you singing silly songs to my kids until they fell asleep. Those moments were everything, and now they’re everything I have left of you.”
Her caption ended with a simple but devastatingly powerful message:
“I love you so much, Liam. Always have. Always will. Wherever you are, I hope you’re at peace now. You’ll forever be my little brother. ❤️”
Outpouring of Support
The response to Ruth’s post was immediate and overwhelming. Fellow One Direction members Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson left heartfelt comments expressing their love and condolences. Fans across the world flooded the post with messages of support, many saying they felt as though they, too, had lost a family member.
Mental health charities and grief support organizations have also used the moment to remind people that help is available, and that it’s okay to talk about loss, depression, and emotional pain.
A Legacy That Lives On
Liam Payne leaves behind not only a legacy of musical achievements but also a generation of fans who found comfort, joy, and strength in his voice. From his breakout moment on The X Factor in 2010 to his chart-topping solo hits, Payne’s career was marked by passion and perseverance. Yet beyond the music, those closest to him remember a kind-hearted, loyal, and deeply caring person.
As Ruth Gibbins and the rest of his family prepare for a private funeral in the coming days, her message stands as a beautiful and heartbreaking reminder of the person behind the fame — a brother, a son, a friend, and a soul gone far too soon.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or mental health, please reach out to a mental health professional or support organization. You’re not alone.
Leave a Reply