Liam Hampson dies in Barcelona: Kangaroos react to tragedy, NRL community rallies behind GoFundMe page
NRL stars from the present and the past have led the charge to bring the body of Liam Hampson home - helping raised over $70,000 following his tragic death.
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Queensland Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui are among a host of NRL players who have provided financial aid in the wake of the Liam Hampson tragedy.
More than 20 current and former NRL stars have thrown their support behind a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising $50,000 to help the Hampson family bring their son’s body home following his tragic death in Spain.
And it’s the generosity of Knights captain Ponga that has helped the fund, organised by Broncos forward Jordan Riki, who was holidaying with Hampson, reach the nominated $50,000 target in just six hours.
At least 1200 people have reached into their pockets to help the Hampson family and Ponga is among those to dig deepest, contributing $1000 to help bankroll the return of the 24-year-old to Australia.
Titans playmaker Toby Sexton contributed $1500, while his Gold Coast teammate Brimson, who was overseas with Hampson and initially raised a search alarm on social media, has provided $1000.
Other NRL figures who have helped out include Australia’s World Cup duo Fa’asuamaleaui and Reuben Cotter, Broncos forward Brendan Piakura ($1000), Maroons star Ben Hunt’s wife Bridget, Titans coach Justin Holbrook and former Queensland Origin pair Phil Sami ($250) and Corey Allan ($500).
Former NRL players Jamahl Lolesi, Paul Sironen, Denan Kemp, Anthony Don and ex-Broncos captain Alex Glenn have also made donations.
New Broncos recruit Reece Walsh is another contributor, underlining the spirit of the NRL community as the rugby league world comes to terms with the devastating death of Redcliffe Queensland Cup player Hampson.
“On behalf of Liam’s family and friends we would like to support his beautiful family in helping getting Liam home,” Riki wrote.
“Also supporting his family through this difficult time. As we all know Liam was a beautiful soul who brought people together with his love, wisdom and jokes.
“Liam was an outstanding talent on and off the football field if it was helping his teammates win a nail biting game or educating kids and many others on life and his wisdom. We love Liam and any donation would go a long way.”
The loss of Hampson is the second tragedy to rock the Queensland rugby league fraternity in recent times.
In August, former Ipswich Jets flyer Michael Purcell, who had a brief stint with the Melbourne Storm, died suddenly after a car crash in Brisbane.
‘WE’RE PLAYING FOR THEM’: KANGAROOS REACT TO TRAGIC DEATH
- Brent Read
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga says the Australian side will play against Scotland on Saturday morning (AEDT) with the family of Liam Hampson in the back of their minds.
The Australian team was rocked by the tragic death of Redcliffe Dolphins player Hampson in Barcelona this week - prop Patrick Carrigan was among the Kangaroos players who was close to the 24-year-old.
The players will wear black armbands in Hampson’s honour against Scotland and Meninga acknowledged the family would be in their thoughts when they run onto Coventry Building Society Arena.
“It is tragic news,” Meninga said.
“On behalf of the Kangaroos over here, we pay our condolences back to Liam’s family and friends. It was a sad day and we obviously pay our respects.
“Hopefully they get through it one day. We’re very much behind them all and in the back of our minds we will be playing for them tomorrow.”
Australian players became aware of Hampson’s passing only hours after they arrived in Coventry on Friday morning (AEDT) to step up preparations for their second game of the tournament against the Scots.
Hampson, who was on holidays with a group of friends including Gold Coast star AJ Brimson, had been missing for 30 hours when his body was discovered in the internal patio of a nightclub.
A Barcelona police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that Hampson had fallen 10 metres into an area that was not open to the public.
Meninga said Carrigan wanted to play but that could change over the next 24 hours as the devastation of Hampson’s death began to sink in.
“He wants to get out there,” Meninga said,
“He is comfortable with that at the moment. We are still 24 hours away so we will see how it pans out.
“They are okay. They are obviously affected by it. Everyone needs time to grieve, Sometimes you just jump back on the bike and keep going - that is a way of handling it as well.
“At some stage all his close friends, particularly over here, will be grieving. We will support tham as best we can.
“Being so far away from home is the thing too.”
$50K IN 2 HOURS: NRL COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND HAMPSON FAMILY
—Brent Read
Some of rugby league’s biggest names have contributed to a GoFundMe campaign started by Brisbane Broncos star Jordan Riki with the aim of raising $50,000 to help Liam Hampson’s family bring their son’s body home.
Within two hours of the page being set up, it had already raised more than $45,000. Among those to donate were a host of current and former rugby league stars including Kalyn Ponga, Alex Glenn, Reece Walsh, Anthony Don, Paul Sironen and Charlotte Caslick.
“On behalf of Liam’s family and friends we would like to support his beautiful family in helping getting Liam home,” Riki wrote.
“Also supporting his family through this difficult time. As we all know Liam was a beautiful soul who brought people together with his love, wisdom and jokes.
“Liam was an outstanding talent on and off the football field if it was helping his teammates win a nail biting game or educating kids and many others on life and his wisdom. We love Liam and any donation would go a long way.”
Click here to support the GoFundMe campaign.
I’M SO SORRY: BRONCO STAR TRAVELLING WITH LIAM BREAKS SILENCE
—Travis Meyn, Peter Badel, Brent Read
The Queensland rugby league fraternity has been rocked by the shock death of a Redcliffe rising star following a nightclub tragedy in Europe.
Liam Hampson was found dead after a night of partying in Spain with Queensland NRL stars AJ Brimson and Jordan Riki.
Hampson, 24, died following what Spanish media reported was an accidental 10m balcony fall at Barcelona nightclub Sala Apolo.
Hampson’s friends said was missing for more than 30 hours before his body was discovered on Thursday morning (AEST).
“Waking up to the news no one wants to hear, we are devastated to find out that Liam had an accident and sadly has not survived,” Hampson’s father Brett Hampson posted on Facebook.
“We are heartbroken to say the least. Liam had a heart of gold and was a much loved son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. Words cannot express our grief.
“We cannot thank his mates enough for being there with Liam having the time of his life and assisting in the search for our boy. Our thoughts are with them.”
Hampson was holidaying in Europe with Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson and his brother Will along with Brisbane Broncos duo Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.
Arthars had already returned to Australia before the fateful night, which was a celebration for Riki’s last day with the group following a month of travelling throughout Europe.
Riki farewelled his mates and boarded a flight bound for Australia, only to learn of the devastating news when he landed in Brisbane.
“Can’t put into words how I’m feeling,” Riki posted on Instagram alongside a photo of Hampson.
“I love you bro, I’m so sorry.”
The Brisbane backrower also expressed thanks to everyone who responded to the players’ pleas for information about Hampson before his tragic death was revealed.
“Please know I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped to find our boy words can’t express how grateful I am for you guys,” Riki wrote on Instagram.
The Broncos have provided support to Riki and Arthars, who has returned to Brisbane following a one-season loan to the Warriors.
The shattered Brimson boys remain in Barcelona, with their mother Vanessa Brimson revealing their return was in limbo.
“They are okay,” she said.
“They are coping and have got support which is the main thing.
“It’s a little up in the air at the moment (when they are returning home). We’re not quite sure.”
The Titans have been in contact with Brimson as he deals with the tragic death of Hampson and organises his return home.
“The Gold Coast Titans join the wider rugby league community in sharing our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Liam Hampson,” the Titans said.
“Titans staff have spoken to AJ Brimson, who was travelling with Hampson, and our welfare and coaching staff will provide support to him as he deals with the loss of a friend.”
Hampson graduated from famed rugby league nursery Keebra Park High School on the Gold Coast before being picked up by the New Zealand Warriors.
He spent half-a-season with the Warriors’ under-20s team in 2017 before returning to Australia and signing with the Tweed Heads Seagulls.
He went on to play 26 Queensland Cup games for the Seagulls before joining Redcliffe this year, making 11 appearances for the Dolphins as they mounted a late charge to the grand final.
The Dolphins have been rocked by the death of Hampson, who just four weeks ago played for Redcliffe in their Hostplus Cup grand final loss to Norths.
“It’s just terrible what’s happened. We can’t believe it,” a Dolphins spokesman said.
“Liam was full of life and really popular with the guys here at Redcliffe.
“He was a good player, he won us a game against Burleigh in the finals to get us into the grand final, he scored a try and changed the tempo of the game.
“After that game Liam had a conversation with Wayne Bennett (Dolphins NRL coach), who was impressed with his attitude.
“He was only small for a hooker but he really played above his weight and had great courage.
“Our thoughts go out to Liam’s family and friends.”
The loss of Hampson is the second tragedy to rock the Queensland rugby league fraternity in recent times.
In August, former Ipswich Jets flyer Michael Purcell, who had a brief stint with the Melbourne Storm, died suddenly after a car crash in Brisbane.
QRL chief executive Rohan Sawyer expressed his shock over the Hampson fatality.
“Liam was a much loved and respected member of the rugby league community,” Sawyer said.
“It was terrible news to wake up to, and our hearts go out to Liam’s family and friends, and his many current and former teammates and coaches, including those at his former club the Tweed Seagulls.
“Our thoughts are with everyone at the Dolphins and Seagulls, as well as the wider rugby league community.
“We have reached out to both clubs to offer support from our wellbeing team.”
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