Danielle said she had been taking the last several days to comprehend the devastating news[/caption]
And now his former partner Danielle revealed she isn’t “mentally strong enough to face the reality of what has happened”.
After dating on and off from 2010 to 2012, she posted a tribute to Liam on Instagram on Saturday.
The model wrote: “In time I will share more, but right now I don’t feel mentally strong enough to face the reality of what’s happened,” explaining that she had been taking the last several days to comprehend the news of the star’s passing.
Danielle described it as a “heartbreaking time,” adding that nasty trolls’ negative remarks had made the past several days even more challenging.
She wrote: “Like all of us, I too am grieving, and need to take some time to do that privately.
“It’s a heartbreaking time, which has already been made so much more challenging due to receiving negative and misinformed comments as well pre conceived judgement from those who don’t personally know me, Liam or anything about out relationship over the last 14 years.
“I will be back soon when I’m ready but until then please take care of each other.”
Danielle acknowledged the negative abuse she had received, but she also expressed gratitude for the encouraging words she got in messages.
The model said: “Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to call, text, or DM sending condolences and offering support.Â
“I’m so grateful and it’s helped more than you know.”
Since they first met in 2010 on the X Factor, Danielle, who is currently in a relationship and has a daughter named Mia with Sonny Jay, dated Liam intermittently.
Liam and Danielle met in 2010 on the X Factor[/caption]
Danielle and Liam pictured near the Whiskey Mist night club in London[/caption]
They were believed to have had a brief reconciliation back in 2022 after their split in 2012.
In an interview in October 2012, Liam acknowledged that his breakup with Danielle had left him “devastated.”
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, 33, recalled their happy memories together in the message, before uploading a bittersweet series of images showing their strong bond.
Ruth 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!”
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.
The distraught, bleary-eyed dad waved to Liam’s fans as he took in the touching display.
Dressed in a dark suit with his hands clasped in front of him, Geoff was shielded by police and security from dozens of fans and reporters.
One Direction statements in full
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”