Ruth Gibbins, sister of the late One Direction star Liam Payne, has shared a devastating tribute to her brother on the first anniversary of his funeral, expressing a grief that has become as constant as breathing.
A Year of Infinite Loss
On Thursday, marking one year since the funeral was held at Saint Mary's Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, the 34-year-old posted a poignant photograph from Liam's early days on The X Factor. Her accompanying caption laid bare the profound and enduring pain of her loss.
'A year ago today, the hardest goodbye I'll ever have, a funeral I never should have had to plan and everyday since, I never should have had to live without him,' Ruth wrote. She powerfully added, 'Missing him is now part of breathing. It doesn't get easier, it that's just a lie to make it feel better. Infinite love, infinite loss.'
This sombre anniversary follows a similar tribute last month from Liam's older sister, Nicola, who described his death as a 'pain that will never heal'. She shared intimate family photos and revealed how they are working to keep his memory alive for his eight-year-old son, Bear, and his niece, Ffion.
The Ongoing Inquest and Tragic Circumstances
Liam Payne died at the age of 31 in October last year after a tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A post-mortem examination confirmed his death was caused by multiple traumas and internal and external haemorrhage.
The legal proceedings surrounding his death continue. A pre-inquest review earlier this month revealed that the full inquest has been delayed until 2026. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler stated that continuing investigations in Argentina into the circumstances are ongoing. The coroner's court is seeking full reports and eyewitness statements to establish how, when, and where Liam died.
In a related development, an Argentine court dropped charges of criminal negligence against three of the five people initially charged in connection with the incident back in February.
Legacy and Lasting Tributes
Liam Payne's sudden death sparked a global outpouring of grief. On the anniversary of his passing, dozens of fans gathered outside the Buenos Aires hotel where he fell, creating a shrine in his memory. Mourners also paid their respects in his hometown of Wolverhampton.
Following the hiatus of One Direction, Liam forged a successful solo career, releasing his debut album LP1 in 2019. He never married and left behind a substantial estate valued at around £24 million, for which he did not leave a will. Court documents show that Cheryl, the mother of his son Bear, has been granted power of administration. It is expected the fortune will be placed in trust for his son under UK intestacy rules.
The family's public tributes over the past year paint a heartbreaking picture of a life cut tragically short and a loss that continues to resonate deeply with those who knew and loved him.
