In what police consider a tragic accident, a rising NRL star disappeared on an end-of season trip to Europe. He was found unconscious on the ground of a Barcelona nightclub.
Redcliffe Dolphins star Liam Hampson, 24, was holidaying with Gold Coast Titans’ fullback Alexander ‘AJ’ Brimson and Brisbane Broncos stars Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars when he suddenly disappeared.
Brimson posted a frenetic social media message on Wednesday night explaining that Hampson had not been seen since Tuesday’s visit to Sala Apolo in Spain at 4.30am.
Barcelona Police has confirmed that the body of Hampson, a man believed to have been killed in a car accident on Thursday AEDT after a 30-hour search.
A police statement claimed that Liam’s nightclub staff found his body in Sala Apolo. The Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that police believe Hampson may have fallen from a height of 10 metres.
Hampson’s sister and father have confirmed this sad news via heartbreaking social media posts.
Redcliffe Dolphins star Liam Hampson, (pictured), was tragically discovered dead in Barcelona
Rising NRL star Lorna Moron, (left), paid tribute earlier in the year to his mother Lorna on Mother’s Day
Staff at Sala Apolo in Barcelona found Liam Hampson dead on the ground (pictured).
Brett wrote on Facebook that his son Liam suffered an injury and has unfortunately lost his life.
We are truly heartbroken. Liam was loved by many and had a heart full of gold. He was also a beloved brother, grandson, uncle, friend, and great-grandson. We are not able to express our sorrow through words.
We can’t thank them enough for their support in finding our boy, Liam. Their thoughts and prayers are with us.
Hours after Hampson made a desperate plea for help, Tiarna Hampson posted an identical tribute. She wrote, “We are so broken,”
‘Liam made me a better man and was the best brother that I could have asked for. Our grief cannot be expressed.
“We can’t thank enough the boys that he traveled with for helping him search. They made his final days the most memorable of his life.
Liam, I’m going to miss you very much.
One of Liam Hampson’s last photos, pictured right. He is enjoying Parisian sights like the Eiffel tower.
Brimson responded with a heart-emoji to Tiarna’s tribute.
Family members have requested privacy to deal with their heartbreaking loss.
Brimson made an urgent appeal hours before to Hampson.
Brimson wrote, “Hasn’t been able to contact him and hasn’t seen him for 24hrs… was traveling with a group, very out of character. Any information would be greatly appreciated.” Brimson captioned the photo as Hampson, wearing the clothing he was last seen in, a black T-shirt, shorts, and baseball caps.
“Please don’t message me without any assistance or information. Our team is busy trying to get in touch with family members. Thanks!’
Riki reposted the image with a message asking for help, and it was shared by the Broncos as well.
Please help us by sharing this message [message]It’s scary for us all, he’s our best friend we want to find them,” Riki posted on Instagram.
Arthars uploaded a simple prayer emoji to Instagram on a background of black.
Just two days earlier, Brimson posted one of the last photos of Hampson in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Both were close friends from school. They attended the well-known Keebra Park State High School.
Hampson, Brimson were teammates in the Tweed Seagulls.
Redcliffe Dolphins star Liam Hampson, was an emerging Queensland rugby league player. Following a last-month finals match, he was seen signing autographs with young fans.
Hours before his death was confirmed, Gold Coast Titans fullback AJ Brimson posted a photo of his friend, Liam Hampson in the clothes he was last seen wearing
Liam Hampson was on a trip across Europe along with NRL superstar AJ Brimson and his mates. They are seen enjoying Amsterdam.
Hampson, top left (with Jordan Riki (front right)) on his European vacation with other young stars of rugby league.
Liam Hampson, far right), with some of his Aussie friends during the European tour. His death is being treated by police as an accident.
Hampson spent time in Europe on vacation with Riki, Brimson, and Arthars.
This group of friends has posted many photos taken during their trip, which included snaps of Paris, Ibiza Amsterdam, Munich, Positano and Positano in Italy.
Hampson played hooker with the Redcliffe Dolphins, and recently helped his side reach the Queensland Cup grand final where they were narrowly beaten by the Norths Devils 16-10.
Wayne Bennett will coach the Dolphins to their NRL debut.
Hampson does not make up the top-tier club squad.
Queensland football player Liam Hampson had the time of his life with footy friends.
Liam Hampson (right), in Paris, watching Lionel Messi football