Liam Payne's sister shares emotional tribute to late brother after his death aged 31

Liam Payne's sister Nicola has spoken out in the wake of the singer's untimely death last week.

Payne sadly died at the age of 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16 after falling off a hotel balcony.

It's since been revealed that the 'Get Low' singer may have been in a 'state of semi or total unconsciousness' when he fell to his death.

The late One Director star is survived by his two sisters: Nicola Payne and Ruth Gibbins.

Ruth penned a heartbreaking tribute to Liam over the weekend, and now Nicola has followed suit.

Taking to Instagram today (October 21), Nicola wrote: "I have posted about Liam and his achievements over the years with a proud sister alert and that has stood then, now and always!!!

"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. 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.

"You have always shown kindness to everyone you met and it shows with just how many people have confirmed what we always knew!

"We don't have many pictures together as we never really did that as a family, we never wanted you to feel like you were in a room of fans, but we were your biggest fans always and forever."

Nicola Payne has written a heartbreaking statement following her brother Liam's death (Instagram/@np2788)

Nicola's post went on: "Your talent alone puts you miles ahead, but also you being you. I have been looking back at the messages from the night I had Fion, how excited you were to meet her, the jokes we all shared and the laughter that you knew we all needed.

"You led your life with a motto of 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.

"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 ended the post with 'see you soon Liam' as she expressed her love for her sibling.

As well as his sisters, Liam is survived by his parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, and his seven-year-old son Bear.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.