Liam Hampson found dead at a Barcelona nightclub after over 30 hours of being uncontactable to friends and family in Australia
Redcliffe Dolphins star and ex-Gold Coast rugby league player Liam Hampson has been found dead at an overseas nightclub. Local police have released details on how he died.
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A former Gold Coast rugby league player and Redcliffe Dolphins star has been found dead at a nightclub overseas.
Liam Hampson, 24, went missing while he was on a trip in Spain and 30 hours later police reported he was found dead in a nightclub.
According to Spanish media outlets, the police were working on the theory Hampson accidentally fell 10 metres at the Sala Apolo nightclub in Barcelona.
Gold Coast Titans player and friend AJ Brimson took to Instagram on Wednesday night asking for any information regarding Hampson’s whereabouts.
The post said Hampson had been missing for at least 30 hours in Barcelona and was last seen leaving a nightclub.
“Missing in Barcelona, Liam Hampson from Australia,” the post said.
“He was last seen at Sala Apollo nightclub leaving at 4.30am on October 18, wearing clothes in the photo.
“He hasn’t been able to be contacted and no one has seen him for 24 hours.
“He was travelling with a group and very out of character.”
On Thursday morning Barcelona Police confirmed a body had been found.
“This morning, nightclub staff where Liam was seen for the last time, found a body on the floor in an area of the nightclub, Sala Apolo,” they said.
The police said his death was being treated as an accident.
Hampson’s father, Brett Hampson, took to Facebook on Thursday morning to write a heartfelt tribute to his son.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Hampson’s Facebook feed was filled with posts dedicated to Hampson and his skills on the field.
One post read “proud dad”, referring to Hampson receiving player of the match on September 17.
His mother Lorna Morton shared her heartbreak on Facebook and said words could not express her grief.
“We are heartbroken,” she said.
His sister Tiarna Hampson shared her message to Instagram with a picture of him on his travels in the UK.
“Waking up to the saddest news possible about Liam,” she said.
“Liam was the best brother I ever could of asked for and make me a better person.
“Going to miss you so much Liam.”
Hampson attended Keebra Park State High School with Brimson and they both played together at the Tweed Seagulls.
Keebra Park State High School coach Glen Campbell said it was “unbelievable shattering news”.
“Cannot comprehend the unfathomable devastation his family is dealing with at this time,” he said.
“He was an exceptional young man in so many ways.
“He was taken in his prime.
“He will always be missed,” he said.
Hercules Road State School Deputy Principal Bronwyn LW said they got to know Liam this year after he did prac for several weeks there.
“He was fantastic, enthusiastic, hardworking and so great with the kids,” she said.
“We are so sad to hear this news and our thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends.”
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