‘We are heartbroken’: Family completely shattered after footballer found dead

The father and sister of a 24-year-old footballer found dead in Spain have gone public with devastating messages.

The family of Liam Hampson are devastated at his death. Pictures: Instagram, Facebook

The family of rugby league player Liam Hampson has been left absolutely shattered after the Queenslander was found dead on Thursday morning.

Hampson, 24, had not been seen for more than 30 hours after disappearing while partying with a group of NRL players on Tuesday night in Spain.

But on Thursday morning (AEDT), Barcelona police confirmed to 7NEWS a body believed to be Hampson was 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.

Police told 7NEWS the death was being treated as an accident.

According to Spanish reports, Hampson’s body was found by workers of the Apolo nightclub in Barcelona, where he had spent the night with friends on October 18.

Liam Hampson with his mother, Lorna. Picture: Instagram

Liam Hampson was found dead in a Barcelona nightclub. Pic: Instagram

In a post on Facebook, his father Brett wrote the family was “devastated” to wake up to the news.

“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 wrote.

“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 can not express our grief.

“We can not thank his mates enough for being there with Liam having the time of his life and assisting in the search for our boy. Our thought are with them.

“We are asking the media to respect our privacy as we work through this time.”

Hampson’s sister Tiarne wrote the family is “heartbroken”.

“Waking up to the saddest news possible about Liam,” she wrote on Instagram.

“We are devastated to find out Liam had an accident and did not survive. We are so heart broken. Liam was the best brother I ever could of asked for and made me a better person.

“We cannot express our grief. Any media outlets, if you could please respect our privacy during the time. We cannot thank the boys he was travelling with enough for assisting with his search and made sure his last days were the best of his life. Going to miss you so much, Liam.”

The Hampson family after one of Liam's games. Picture: Facebook

Friends reportedly lost contact with the Redcliffe Dolphins player at around half-past-five in the morning, prompting desperate pleas from Gold Coast Titans player AJ Brimson and Brisbane Broncos duo Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.

Riki also shared a link to a GoFundMe page and said any donations would help Hampson’s family bring his body home to Australia.

“On behalf of Liam’s family and friends we would like to support his beautiful family in helping getting Liam home. Also supporting his family through this difficult time,” Riki said.

“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.”

Arthars on Wednesday night posted a final prayer on his Instagram stories with a simple pray emoji on a black background.

Hours after Hampson’s body had already been found, Panthers player Preston Riki posted a final plea for help.

“Any help is appreciated,” he posted alongside photos of Hampson.

“Miss you my bro”.

Hampson (right) with his younger sister Tiarna (far left).

It comes as Hampson’s final Instagram posts reveal further blunt details on the tragedy with his final posts showing how happy he was.

One week before his death, Hampson posted an image of himself on a boat while on holiday in Italy alongside friends, including Brimson and Jordan Riki.

He captioned the photo: “My life is fantastic”.

Fans and friends also flocked to share their heartbreak with comments posted on the Queenslander’s Instagram.

Earlier Brimson first brought the tragic situation to life when calling for help in locating Hampson.

“Hey guys bit of a long shot but hoping someone out there could have any information about Liam who has now been missing for 30 hours in Barcelona,” Brimson wrote on Instagram.

“Please do not message me unless you have any help or info. We are busy trying to message family members etc. Thanks!!”

Hampson played for the Redcliffe Dolphins. Pic: Instagram

He posted this photo last week alongside NRL stars AJ Brimson and Jordan Riki with the caption “my life is fantastic”. Picture: Instagram

Barcelona police attended the venue before making the appropriate checks and identifying the body.

According to Spanish news publication El Caso, police believe Hampson may have died because of an accidental fall.

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

Hampson had been enjoying an off-season holiday around Europe with a group of friends including NRL stars Brimson, Riki and Arthurs.

Images from their Instagram accounts show the group holidaying through Munich, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Positano and Paris, where they attended a PSG football match.

Hampson attended Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast with Brimson and they both played together at the Tweed Seagulls.

Hampson was reportedly found at the Apolo nightclub in Barcelona. Pic: Google Maps