A California man was arrested on murder accusations after his roommate's corpse was found buried in his backyard, according to police.
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California man allegedly murdered roommate, buried body in backyard: police
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Best star snaps of the week: Dressed to impress with Ariana Grande & more
Ariana Grande takes style notes from her “Wicked” character Glinda in one of the many outfit changes she makes while hosting “Saturday Night Live.”
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Gran took heartbreaking final photo of granddaughter, 3, just seconds before she was killed by hit-and-run driver
A HEARTBREAKING picture shows a three-year-old girl picking colorful flowers just moments before she was killed in a tragic car accident.
Jamie was babysitting her granddaughter Scarlett along with her little brother Henry when an out-of-control Chevy Tahoe came crashing on them.
The grandma, who was clicking pictures when the unthinkable tragedy happened, unknowingly captured her grandaughter’s last moments.
Two years into the accident, Jaime’s daughter Samantha has now shared the poignant picture on social media.
The mum wrote: “My mom took this picture at 4:47 pm and my daughter’s time of death was 4:52. My mom didn’t know she was capturing the last moments of her life.
“I looked at the timestamp and realized it was only five minutes before her declared time of death, so it must have been taken seconds before the person hit them.
“This one is really hard for me to look at, just knowing what comes next breaks my heart.”
In 2022, Jaime took her grandchildren out to get some ice cream when Scarlett wanted to get out of her stroller.
And just when the little girl was busy picking flowers along the way, A speeding Chevy Tahoe came crashing down the dirt road, colliding with Scarlett as well as her brother and grandma.
Jaime screamed to stop the driver from crashing and even tried to push the children out of the way.
But the car was reportedly going “way too fast”.
“Scarlett was killed almost instantly and my mom and Henry were critically injured,” Samantha told People.
“That’s when my mom took the last picture I have of her alive.”
However, the devastated mum did not realise for weeks that Jaime had captured her daughter’s final moments
She revealed how she felt the moment she saw her daughter’s final picture.
“My mom lost her phone when they were hit and it took us a while to find it, so when we finally did I was going through the pictures and found that one,” Samantha said.
“It was extremely painful for me to look at in the beginning. How do you come to terms with the existence of a ‘last picture’ of your child?”
However, two years after the tragedy Samantha finally gained the confidence to share the tragic picture wth the world.
“I am so incredibly thankful to have that photo,” the mum said while sharing the picture.
“It captures the peaceful feeling of her last moments, the beauty she was surrounded by when she took her last breaths. I will forever picture her happy and carefree and picking flowers.”
After the deadly accident, Scarlett’s brother Henry was left fighting for his life in intensive care.
He had a fractured spine, six broken ribs and jaw, a broken collarbone, a liver laceration and several other injuries, DailyMail reports.
He along with grandma Jaime eventually recovered from the tragic crash.
But the family still grapples with the devastating loss of their three-year-old.
Jim Patton, Scarlett’s grandfather, told KHQ: “A piece of my soul is gone. She was ‘so full of life, so full of love…such a smart little girl.”
Samantha added: “Without Scarlett running around, the house feels so quiet and empty.
“Some days, it feels like I am drowning, and some days I can tread water.”
The mum said she decided to share her agony so that people feel “okay to grieve loudly”.
“You don’t have to do it in silence,” she added.
“Talk about your people, scream their names loud and proud and never stop sharing their stories.”
Cops soon arrested the reckless driver who initially fled the scene after the accident.
He is now reportedly serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Gerwyn Price forced to withdraw from major darts tournament just hours before match against Raymond van Barneveld
GERYWYN PRICE has withdrawn from the Czech Darts Open due to injury.
The Welshman was set to face Raymond van Barneveld tonight in the second round of the competition.
But Price has pulled out because of a trapped nerve in his neck.
He has been replaced by Maik Kuivenhoven from the reserve list.
Fans were left devastated by the news, with one saying: “Gerwyn is a character and the game is boring without characters. Hope he gets well soon.”
Another added: “Injury prone darts player.”
A third worried: “He might have to retire soon.”
Supporters are panicked because this is not the first time Price has had to withdraw from an event due to a nerve problem.
Back in May, he decided not to play in the Premier League event in Aberdeen.
But he instead cited nerve trouble in his back rather than his neck.
Price’s decision provides Kuivenhoven with a massive chance to qualify for the World Championships as the appearance seems him climb the PDC order of merit.
He will pocket £2,500 even if he loses to Van Barneveld in Prague this evening.
I’m called a ‘joke of a woman’ for visiting my ex in prison – we split as he hated my stripper job but I still love him
A WOMAN has been slammed by trolls after revealing she still visits her ex-boyfriend in prison.
Saffron took to TikTok to share a video of herself heading to the jail, over the top of which she wrote: “Come to see my EX in HMP with me”.
She began the video by showing off her outfit – a leopard-print unitard, jacket and trainers – as she explained she was in “such a rush” that morning and had accidentally left her make-up bag behind.
“I almost turned around when I was on the train because in all honesty, who wants to go on a visit with no make-up?” she sighed.
Instead of worrying though, Saffron decided to brush her hair and stick on some perfume – regardless of the fact the train was busy as “the people smiled like they could deal with a bit of Creed anyway!”
Once her train her arrived, she jumped in a taxi and headed to the jail.
“I have to say, this is not my most favourite prison out of them all,” she added.
“I just feel like this one is really dreary and kind of sad looking.”
And to make matters even worse, she was ordered to take out the claw clip in her hair before she visited her former man.
“I did feel really basic on the visit,” she added.
“No make-up, no hair clip. Felt like a plain Jane.”
Saffron concluded her video by showing herself settling down to an M&S pasta bake.
However, the comments section were immediately filled with people slamming Saffron, with one raging: “Joke of a woman”.
“Not my favourite prison of them all…… gurllllll you need to get away from that bad guy energy!” another said.
“He’s been my man of 7 years,” Saffron replied.
“This isn’t some new thing. Please don’t try and tell me how to live my life doll”.
Saffron further opened up about her relationship with her ex in another video, as she said: “Me and my ex were together for a very long time.”
When he went away, she stayed with him the “whole time”, but when he got out they decided to “part ways” because their lives just “weren’t the same anymore”.
UK Prison Brides
- Tracey Bottomley married double murderer Ernest Otto Smith in the US after meeting through a prison pen pal initiative. Tracey, from West Yorks, knew he had been given a life sentence with no possibility of parole
- Rebecca Short, from Oxfordshire, told her family she was on holiday in the US in 2022. Little did they know she was marrying double murderer Manuel Ovate Jr, who was on death row
- Paula Williamson, an actress who appeared on Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, married the infamous Charles Bronson in 2017 after they became penpals
- Karen Charves married Kenny Richey while he was on death row in 2014. He had been convicted for starting a fire in 1986 that killed his ex-girlfriend’s daughter, aged two. Karen and Kenny’s union did not last and she claimed he was abusive.
- Naomi Wise, from Essex, married Victor Oquendo, nicknamed Animal, while he was serving a 24-year prison term in a US jail. They split up in 2022 but have now rekindled their romance
“Now just because one person makes one mistake in life, you can lose everything you ever worked damn hard for and that’s what happened in our case,” she added.
“So I had to go back to work. He then come out to not a lot not much going on money wise business wise.
“And he struggled with the concept of me having to go and do the career that I do – the work that I choose to do.
“He didn’t like that as a man. He didn’t. He wasn’t comfortable with that and I wasn’t comfortable with having to work and be with a man who wasn’t financially earning more than me.
“So when we parted ways we stayed friends – we love each other.
“Is he dating anyone else? Absolutely not.
“Am I dating anyone else? Absolutely not.
“I’m actually a celibate babes and yeah, we’re trying to work out our relationship. I don’t see what’s so wrong with that!
“If he’s in prison, if he’s on the moon, if he’s gone to Mars, it doesn’t matter.
“That’s my man. So mind your business!”
And in the comments on that video, one person asked: “Can I ask what u do? If not its okay.
“Absolutely agree though, one mistake doesn’t make a person!”
“I work in a strip club babe,” Saffron replied.
Others defended her, with one writing: “Sooo much unecessary hate!!! You do you girl!!”
“Everyone’s hating but respect to you that loyalty is different and rare,” another added.
“Everyone is very privileged to not understand your life being put upside down and having to build yourself up again,” a third insisted.
Greek island set to be the next big thing in 2025 – with much quieter beaches and new hotels
GREEK island are aplenty, with Santorini and Mykonos some of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
But a new study has named the island of Paros as a trending destination for next year.
American Express Travel included the island in their 2025 Trending Destinations list.
Analysing travel bookings as well as working with global travel consultants, the island was one of the few European destinations to make the list.
The website states: “Laid-back Paros has become the Greek island of choice for many.
“The cultural scene is vibrant here, and the rocky coastline is studded with beaches, secluded coves, and sea caves.
“A mere 40-minute flight from Athens—or three hours on a ferry—this windblown retreat is also easy to get to.”
Around 200,000 people visit a year – just 10 per cent of the annual tourists that go to Santorini.
This means you can expect the island to be much quieter, and off-the-beaten track.
Its famous for a few things. This includes its marble, which was considered to be the best in ancient times, but there are other attractions too, including its many beaches.
The town of Naoussa is the second largest town on the island and has been called a “smaller version of Mykonos”.
Expect amazing seafood when there too, with most of it caught at fresh before being served up
However, it is also undergoing some new changes.
The island’s airport is expanding its terminal and runway, which will allow better infrastructure for travel.
The €41million project hopes to be complete by 2026.
New hotels are popping up too.
This includes the boutique Andronis which opened earlier this year and a new Canaves Collection resort following success in Santorini.
Last year, professional travel planer Jennifer Greene said Paros was on the up.
She added: “The lack of an international airport tends to keep it that way, but a gentle ebb of chic new hotels is attracting more tourists.”
American Express also named Brittany in France as a trending hotspot.
They included the destination because of its “distinctive culture, coastal scenery and miles of seaside walking paths like the GR34 trail”.
Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the region’s most famous attractions, located in the bay shared by Normandy and Brittany.
One beach that’s proven popular among holidaymakers because of its long stretch of sandy beach, stunning views, and tranquil waters is Plage de Tahiti.
Ferry is a popular option for travelling to Brittany from the UK – with routes from Plymouth and Poole.
American Express Travel's 2025 Trending Destinations
- Brisbane, Australia – located between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane offers excellent museums as well as vibrant dining and nightlife.
- Brittany France – Distinctive culture, coastal scenery and miles of seaside walking paths like the GR34 trail top the list of reasons to visit the Brittany region.
- Franschhoek, South Africa – Franschhoek, the mountain-ringed gem in the Cape Winelands region, is an ideal add-on to a safari vacation with nearly 50 wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and hiking.
- Koh Samui, Thailand – 88-square-mile Koh Samui offers a dreamy combo of lush jungle, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, perfect for active travelers or those looking to relax. The island will be featured on a popular TV show scheduled to air next year and is sure to inspire set-jetting travelers.
- Macau, China – Though The Historic Centre of Macau enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, and the local Cantonese-Portuguese fusion cuisine is a must-try for foodies, the supersized casinos are the reason this densely populated peninsula, known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” boasts a number of award-winning restaurants.
- Moab, United States – As the gateway to Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, Moab is a perfect starting point to explore the American Southwest. Travelers come for world-class rafting, mountain biking, and canyon hiking – or simply to bask in the red rock scenery.
- Nikko, Japan – This tucked away mountain retreat in mostly rural Tochigi prefecture blends elements of Kyoto and Mt. Fuji, with photogenic waterfalls and abundant hiking trails.
- Paros, Greece – Laid-back Paros has become the Greek island of choice for many with a vibrant cultural scene and rocky coastline studded with beaches, secluded coves, and sea caves.
- São Paulo, Brazil – This multi-ethnic city is one of the great cultural destinations of South America and home to rich architectural heritage and some of the continent’s best museums, street art, and homegrown fashion.
- Sun Valley, Idaho, United States – With fewer crowds than other Western ski resorts, Sun Valley appeals to premium travellers and everyday outdoor enthusiasts alike. During the summer months travellers can enjoy trout fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and more.
How ‘master manipulator’ mum convinced son to violently stab her husband to death – then turned him in to save herself
WATCHING her son Cody get arrested, Pandora Zan collapsed sobbing – her heart breaking as she realised his life was over before it had begun,
He was just 19, and he had brutally murdered Pandora’s husband Charles, slitting his throat and stabbing him over 50 times all over his body including through his eye.
It was a gruesome and horrifying crime, but perhaps equally shocking was the revelation Pandora actually coerced her son into carrying out the deadly plan – and then set him up in an undercover police sting.
Now, 15 years on from the gruesome murder, Pandora Zan and her son Cody Henderson have both opened up from prison on a new Hayu documentary series, Snapped: Behind Bars.
Incredibly despite everything, Cody, who is speaking for the first time ever, reveals he doesn’t blame him mum, even saying: “Mum, I love you like crazy, I miss you… It’s not your fault. I did what I did to protect you and I don’t regret that.
“I really believed at the time it was the only way to save my mum’s life.
“I made a conscious decision, and it was terrible and I didn’t have the right to make it but I did what I did out of love for my mum and I’m sorry for anybody I’ve hurt.”
‘We had a normal family’
Before meeting Charles, accounting specialist Pandora Henderson had been married and had two children, daughter Misty and son Cody.
She was a doting mum, saying: “Holding my kids for the first time was just amazing. I’d never felt love like that for anyone before.
“Cody as a child was super affectionate, it was nothing for him to come up and hug [me] and he always told me that he loved me.”
Speaking about his childhood before his parents split, Cody says: “We did a lot of stuff as a family.
“All the holidays were a big deal… We had a normal family dynamic.”
‘He swept me off my feet’
Unfortunately Pandora’s marriage didn’t last, and she filed for divorce in 2001, when Cody was 11.
That same year she started online dating, and met dad-of-one Charles Zan – a former marine turned corrections officer known as Chuck.
Pandora says: “When we first met and started dating he swept me off my feet. He cooked, and played music… and made me feel just very special.
“It sounds crazy but within a month of meeting him I’d moved me and my kids in with him.”
Cody says: “When my mum first introduced us to Chuck he seemed like a nice guy.
“We were always going out as a little family group, going out for dinner, and she seemed really happy so I was happy for her because that’s what I wanted to see – my mum happy.”
‘The abuse started slowly’
However Cody and Pandora claim things quickly began to change.
Cody says: “Starting out it was just normal stuff you know, do your homework before you go outside to play or clean up after yourself, and that was fine.
“But then with chores he was never satisfied with what we did – there was always something wrong.
“There were several times where the way he treated my mum or me or even my stepbrother got me into a fight with him.”
By 2009 Misty, Cody and their stepbrother Adrian had all moved out to start their own lives.
Pandora says: “After that I was totally dependent on Chuck.
“The abuse started slowly. I wish I’d been strong enough to leave him. If I could go back and change things I absolutely would.”
‘There was blood everywhere’
Finally things came to a head on October 17 2009, and Pandora made the frantic call to police just after 6am from their studio apartment.
“There’s blood everywhere and stab wounds everywhere,” she cried, claiming initially someone had broken in and attacked her husband, stabbing him over 50 times.
Within minutes the first officers arrived on the scene. Miamisburg police detective Tom Thompson says: “There was blood all over the bed, all over the walls, blood everywhere.
“I observed a man laying on a bed that folds out from the couch. It appeared he had stab wounds all over his body, there had been a tremendous struggle.
“He died by bleeding out. It would have taken somewhere between 15 and 25 minutes.”
Describing the scene, police detective Jeff Muncy added: “In my 25 years this is probably the most gruesome thing I’ve ever seen.”
5 must-watch Hayu true crime shows
- Deadly Cults – In this series, investigators uncover and expose the dark world of cults that kill. Each episode focuses on a different cult, looking at the behaviour of their leaders and followers.
- Snapped: Killer Couples – Each episode reveals the shocking story of a couple who have committed murder together. A spin-off of series Snapped, which chronicled lives of women who lost control and were charged with murder, the show has aired 17 seasons, each with ten episodes.
- In Ice Cold Blood – Hosted by Ice-T, this series exposed outrageous tales and shocking true stories involving sex, money, murder and sometimes a fatal cocktail of all three.
- Charmed To Death – A series following the true stories of manipulative and deceptively dangerous criminals who use their charm to cheat, steal and lure unsuspecting victims into romantic relationships, ultimately leaving a wake of devastation and death.
- The Girl In The Box – Colleen Stan relives what it was like to be kidnapped, imprisoned in a box, and how she bravely escaped. The 20-year-old’s ordeal all started when she accepted a ride from Cameron Hooker, and she was kept captive for nearly a year…
‘I was living a lie’
Pandora later told police she’d been asleep and was startled awake by a noise, and was attacked..
She says now: “That started the first lie – ‘somebody broke in’ – because I didn’t know what else to say.
“I was basically living a lie. I was scared they would arrest me.”
She admitted during a police interview she’d been having marital problems, telling police Charles had cheated on her with a work colleague.
Police also interviewed Charles’ son Adrian and Cody – who suspiciously had scrapes on his face – and Pandora’s daughter Misty was also questioned, and revealed Charles had been abusive.
However, she also quickly began to suspect her mum and brother may have been involved.
Speaking previously in a 2019 documentary, Misty said: “The thought crossed my mind that [they] might have been involved and then I got mad at myself for thinking like that.”
She confronted her mother, who told her Cody had killed Charles, saying: “She told my brother she wanted out of her relationship with Chuck and she thought the only way out was to commit suicide because he would come after her if she left.
“My brother said ‘I’ll take care of it.'” She also said my brother told her that he was not going to get arrested. If it ever came down to it he was going to [kill himself].”
‘Thrown to the wolves’
Misty and Pandora returned to the police station, where Pandora told police Cody had carried out the attack.
Miamisburg police chief John Sedlak says: “At that point I think her purpose was clearly to put Cody in the spotlight and remove herself.”
I felt like she [threw] me to the wolves to save herself. She abandoned me after everything I did for her”
Cody Henderson
Fearing her son would take his own life, Pandora agreed to help police and recorded a call with Cody in which he confessed to stabbing Chuck “a bunch” of times, before arranging a meet him at a motel – where cops were waiting to arrest him.
Cody says: “I felt like she [threw] me to the wolves to save herself. She abandoned me after everything I did for her.
“I was shocked. I understand why she did it… but at the time it didn’t make it any easier.”
At the police station Cody immediately opened up and confessed.
“I was protecting my mum,” he told officers. “Sometimes you just got to do something you don’t want to do for a family member.”
‘I live with regret every day’
While Cody admitted the murder, police also discovered Pandora had a lot to gain from his death, as Charles had a life insurance policy – which Cody revealed she’d offered to split with him.
He also revealed she’d given him money to buy a hunting knife and set the date for the killing.
Six months later Pandora was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, saying: “When they finally came, it was a relief.”
In March 2011 Pandora was found guilty and sentenced to life without parole.
Cody plead guilty and was also sentenced to life without parole.
Pandora adds: “I wish I’d never involved [Cody] in this…
“He didn’t even get a chance to grow into a man and really have a life and a family… I live with regret everyday.”
It’s a crime that’s really had a lasting impact, and even now there are questions if the full truth has been revealed.
Police chief John Sedlak says: “There’s an indication that Pandora is not only a master manipulator, but she’s a pathological liar.
“Even though 15 years has passed I still think about [the] horrific event.”
Season two of Snapped: Behind Bars is available to stream on Hayu.
Moment huge explosion erupts in North Sea as British Navy commandos join F-35 fighter jets on live bombing run
THIS IS the moment a huge explosion erupts in the North Sea as Royal Marines join forces with F-35 fighter jets in a “potent combination”.
A powerful Royal Navy task group of stealth jets and warships has gathered off the coast of Scotland to carry out military drills for “Exercise Strike Warrior”.
The UK Carrier Strike Group, with HMS Prince of Wales as its focal point, is completing critical preparations for a major global deployment in 2025.
It is in preparation for the Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment, which will send British warships, support vessels and jets across the world.
It will be the first mission of its kind since HMS Queen Elizabeth led a 49,000-mile mission to Japan and back in 2021.
In the latest development, the Royal Navy posted footage of Marines and aircraft on X, writing: “Ending the week with a bang… UK Commandos and F-35 jets are a potent combination.
“Special @Commando_Ops Observers have guided F-35 stealth fighters on a live bombing run from @HMSPWLS during Exercise #StrikeWarrior in the North Sea.”
A two-week operation, which started on October 14, will see the potent task group coming up against intensive warfare scenarios to test their ability to firstly protect HMS Prince of Wales and her air group, which will be carrying out flying operations throughout.
F-35B Lightning jets, frigates, destroyers, submarines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers, and helicopters have gone to the North Sea to test their ability to carry out operations seamlessly together.
The training exercise is supported by the RAF, which provides aircraft to support anti-submarine operations and test the air defence capability of the task group.
Running the exercise from HMS Prince of Wales is Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, and his battle staff, who carefully coordinate operations.
He said: “The UK’s Carrier Strike Group is the 1* battle staff that commands the fleet embarked on HMS Prince of Wales.
“I have command of highly capable assets and personnel, which provide a powerful capability across all domains from anti-air to cyber.
“This exercise is important because it will validate my team as a ‘Very High Readiness’ force, which means we can be ready to command a fleet with a few days’ notice.
“This is all in preparation for next year’s exercise across which will see us traverse the globe to achieve.
“Exercise Strike Warrior is an important milestone for 809 NAS, being the Squadron’s first return to sea since the Falklands conflict and an important stepping stone in developing our Initial Operational Capability.”
During Strike Warrior, HMS Prince of Wales will be surrounded by warships, including HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Dauntless and an Astute-class submarine, guarding her from a range of threats.
HMS Portland (Type 23 frigate) is working on countering threats beneath the waves in their primary role as submarine hunters, aided by Merlin helicopters and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the RAF.
Type 45 destroyer Dauntless is bringing air defence to the task group, with her powerful Sampson radars and Sea Viper missiles acting as a shield from above.
These systems have proven their prowess against drones and missiles with HMS Diamond in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the Royal Navy said.
An Astute-class hunter killer submarine has been lurking beneath the waves, capable of fending off adversary subs but also hitting targets with Tomahawk missiles.
The UK Carrier Strike Group is operating with NATO warships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1—the alliance’s premier task force in Northern European waters – throughout Strike Warrior.
The two task forces are testing tactics across a range of scenarios, including anti-submarine warfare, countering attacks from uncrewed systems, air defence exercises, pilot rescues and practising sailing through narrow straits while under threat.
While all of this takes place, F-35B jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron will be flying sorties, including carrying out mock long-range strikes into mainland Europe.
It is the first time Marham-based 809 have deployed on the carrier after standing up at the end of last year.
809 Naval Air Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nick Smith, said: “The F-35 Lightning Force, specifically the front-line units 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, bring the headline Carrier Strike capability to the task group.
“The 5th Generation capability we bring ranges from projection of firepower ashore, to support of other theatre assets or defence of the task group.”
Liam Payne’s devastated sister Ruth breaks silence in emotional statement as she posts unseen photos of late star
LIAM Payne’s sister has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her “best friend” following his tragic death.
The One Direction singer’s sibling Ruth Gibbins posted a lengthy testimonial to her Instagram page, including a message directly addressing the Little Things singer where she said: “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”
Ruth recalled their happy memories together in the message, before uploading a bittersweet series of images showing their strong bond.
In her emotional message – which came after Liam, 31, passed in Argentina – she wrote: “I don’t believe this is happening. Many times have I poured my heart out publicly with pride about Liam but never much about life as his sister.
“Liam is my best friend, no one could ever make me laugh as much as him, doing his impressions always had me creasing and he loved seeing how much of a laugh he could get.
“He moved out when he was 17 to chase his dreams, its this that forced me to finally pass my driving test during the factor live show weeks because I couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to get to him.
“I would regularly drive to have tea with him after I finished work, just to sit around. One month the hotel was right by a Wagamamas and I swear he had it morning, noon and night!”
Speaking after his X Factor heyday Ruth continued: “I used to love picking him up from work when it all started, especially after concerts, speeding us away from venues or appearances, Liam plugging in his phone to show me the new songs for albums.
“Liam loved 1D, he loved his brothers and we talked about it so much. He would just play song after song that had been recorded but never used and we’d sit having a mini 1D concert.
“Liam knew he could call me anytime, any day and I would pick up or that I would always fetch him if he needed to just come home. Our calls would often result in me laughing at his ideas and next adventure, talking through his plans and working through his issues but it would always end with ‘love you miss you’ “love you ru.’
“Liam was born with music in his veins, it was clear from a very young age he just had that quality that would make him a star. I could sit and listen to him sing all day, which is a good job really because he never bloody stopped!
“I will never tire of the look he gives when showing new songs, ‘listen loud’ he’d say and just grin with pride of his work.”
In a very personal, poignant moment, Ruth shared with her followers a list of “notes on my phone with things to tell Liam.”
She then followed this by penning a heart-wrenching tribute to her youngest sibling.
In a direct open letter to Liam, who fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel room, she wrote: “Liam. My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone.
“I just want to drive to your house and walk in to music blasting and find you sat there writing a song or walk in to your art phases and sit with you whilst you draw or craft.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
What I love most about you is your ability to make me laugh, I never chuckle as much as I do when I’m with you with anyone else.
I’m always in awe of your talent, it should be illegal to be so talented and just have the ability to not only be good at things but be bloody great at everything you attempt, without even knowing you’re absolutely smashing it each time.
I love your kindness and how proud I am to call you my brother and my best friend. You also make a great Sunday dinner too!
I don’t feel this world was good enough or kind enough to you, and quite often over the last few years, you’ve had to really try hard to overcome all that was being aimed at you.
“You just wanted to be loved and to make people happy with your music. You never believed you were good enough, I hope you can now see this outpouring of love that you never received in your time.”
Ruth, who is sister to Nicola as well as Liam, candidly added: “Thank you for changing my life, thank you for the incredible memories, thank you for being the best brother and friend I’ll ever have!
“We’ll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you idolise him.”
In a hugely emotional final paragraph, she added: “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.
“Love you, oh how my heart misses you.
“One last time I need you to know, I’m here if you need anything, I’d drive to the end of the universe to bring you back.”
- Liam’s cause of death released by medics
- Troubling pics from Liam’s hotel room show white powder
- Niall Horan seen for first time since his death
- Zayn Malik ‘in absolute bits’ after hearing news
- Simon Cowell steps down from BGT
- A heartbreaking 911 call from worried hotel staff revealed
- Liam’s girlfriend reveals why she left Argentina
Fans then rushed to support Ruth as she shared images showing her enjoying a big hug with her brother on her wedding day.