Friends share glimpse of Liam Hampson’s last days travelling Europe before tragic death

A haunting photo of Liam Hampson partying in a Barcelona nightclub shortly before his tragic death has been revealed, as close mates of the Redcliffe Dolphins star have shared an insight into his final days.

Close friends of Liam Hampson have given an insight into the Redcliffe Dolphins star’s final days travelling Europe before his sudden death at a nightclub, as a haunting picture of him partying in the venue has been made public.

The 24-year-old talented rugby league football player was reported missing in Barcelona in Spain on Wednesday night.

Barcelona Police confirmed on Thursday morning that a body had been found at the Sala Apolo nightclub, on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, where Liam was last seen.

Liam had been travelling Europe with a group of friends, including fellow rugby players AJ Brimson, Jordan Riki, Jesse Arthurs and Campbell Pirihi.

Liam Hampson in the background of a photograph taken at a Barcelona nightclub where his body was found hours later. His mate, Jordan Riki, is in the foreground with a woman. Picture: Supplied

A photo from Liam’s last hours alive has given an insight into the young footy player’s final moments before his tragic death.

In a picture taken by a club photographer at Sala Apolo, Liam is standing in the background of the photograph laughing, and appears to be getting hugged by a friend.

He also appears to be surrounded by his mates, including Brisbane Bronocs player, Jordan Riki, who is pictured in the foreground of the photo with a woman.

Liam died at the Barcelona nightclub just hours later after police said he fell from a height of 10m.

A GoFundMe fundraising account titled Liam Hampson set up Thursday by Mr Riki to help support Liam’s family had raised more than $34,000 in an hour.

Mr Riki said the money raised would go towards getting Liam home to Queensland and to supporting the Hampson family.

“As we all know Liam was a beautiful soul who brought people together with his love, wisdom and jokes,” he wrote.

“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.”

Liam Hampson with AJ Brimson in Amsterdam. Picture: Supplied

Liam Hampson and his friends in Switzerland. Picture: Supplied

In the weeks before Liam’s death, Mr Pirihi shared numerous photos and videos of their adventures on a trip where they were meant to explore 12 European countries.

The group first stopped in Greece in September, exploring the Acropolis and the Greek islands before jetting off to Croatia.

They then flew to Italy, where Liam and his mates visited Rome and Naples, soaking up sights like the Colosseum and roaming the cobblestone streets.

Liam shared photos to his Instagram account while visiting Italy’s Amalfi Coast, writing “my life is fantastic” beside a collection of photographs boating and swimming through the idyllic waters.

In October, the group flew to the Netherlands and then on to Switzerland.

Mr Pirihi shared photos of Liam and his mates on October 10 go-karting through the Swiss countryside, dancing on a cliff and playing beer pong underneath the picturesque peaks of the Swiss Alps.

Liam Hampson with his mates enjoying Switzerland in the days before his death. Picture: Supplied

Liam Hampson and his friends doing a Tik Tok dance in Switzerland. Picture: Supplied

“Memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime lads,” Mr Pirihi wrote in the caption under the photos.

The mates then jetted off to France, where Gold Coast Titans player, Mr Brimson, shared photos of them enjoying beers under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, attending a football match and soaking up the night-life on Monday.

Liam also shared memories from the football match in Paris on Instagram on Monday, which would be his last post to social media before his death.

Liam Hampson partying in France. Picture: Supplied

The group then headed to Spain, but just two days later Liam was reported missing after vanishing for 30 hours.

Mr Brimson took to Instagram on Wednesday asking for help.

“Missing in Barcelona, Liam Hampson from Australia,” the post said.

Liam Hampson and his mates while visiting France. Picture: Supplied

Liam Hampson enjoying Switzerland. Picture: Supplied

“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.”

Just hours later, police confirmed a body had been found.

Spanish newspapers El País and El Mundo reported local law enforcement – The Mossos d’Esquadra – attended the scene and shared the theory that Liam had fallen from a height of 10m with the local news associations.

Both the Australian consulate and Hampson’s family have been contacted by Spanish authorities.

Originally published as Friends share glimpse of Liam Hampson’s last days travelling Europe before tragic death