Liam Payne's Sister Says She Learned of His Death from News Alert on Her Phone: 'I Went Cold'

Mar. 15, 2025

Liam Payne (left) with sister Nicola.Photo:Nicola Payne/Instagram

Nicola Payne Pays Tribute to Her Brother Liam on Instagram

Nicola Payne/Instagram

Liam Payne’s sister, Nicola, is paying tribute to her brother followinghis death at age 31on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

On Monday, Oct. 21, Nicola posted a touching message onInstagramhonoring Liam’s life and promising to look after his 7-year-old sonBear, shared with his exCheryl.

Nicola’s post began, “I have posted about Liam and his achievements over the years with a proud sister alert and that has stood then, now and always!!!”

Liam Payne (center) with his sisters Ruth and Nicola.Nicola Payne/Instagram

Nicola Payne Pays Tribute to Her Brother Liam on Instagram

“When I saw the news pop up on my phone that you had left us I went cold, I wanted so much for this to be untrue,” she continued. “I have spent days hoping that it was a mistake and somebody has got it wrong. You were truly too good for this earth, you are an angel who just lived for making people smile and happy.”

Nicola added that her brother had always shown people “kindness,” and wrote that the outpouring of tributes following his death “confirmed what we always knew.”

In her tribute, Nicola shared that Liam’s family didn’t often take photos with him because they “never wanted him to feel like he was in a room of fans, but we were your biggest fans now and forever.”

“Your talent alone puts you miles ahead, but also you being you,” she continued. “I have been looking back at the messages from the night I had Ffion, how excited you were to meet her, the jokes we all shared and the laughter that you knew we all needed.”

Liam Payne (left) and sister Nicola.Nicola Payne/Instagram

Nicola Payne Pays Tribute to Her Brother Liam on Instagram

She said her brother’s motto was “why bother doing something unless you are brilliant at it, and Liam you were certainly brilliant at everything you did!!”

“Unfortunately this cruel world is always to quick to judge someone from a few 5 second clips, they then think it entitles them to be able to speak like they know you. We knew you and we loved you,” she added. “I hope you have finally found peace up there and that you’ll continue to look after us all as you have done in life. We will make sure Bear knows about his daddy and how much you loved him, we promise this.”

Nicola’s tribute arrived after the formerOne Directionsinger’s other sister, Ruth Gibbins,shared a similar messageonInstagramon Saturday, Oct. 19.

Liam was pronounced dead after falling several stories from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Oct. 16, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE.

After Liam’s death was confirmed,his family released a statementaddressing their loss.

“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” they told theBBCand other outlets. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

source: people.com