Tragedy as Aussie footy star is found dead inside a Barcelona nightclub 30 hours after he mysteriously vanished during trip of a lifetime with his NRL player mates
- Redcliffe Dolphins player Liam Hampson went missing in Spain while on holiday
- He was on Europe trip with NRL stars AJ Brimson, Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars
- His NRL mates and his sister issued desperate pleas Wednesday night to find him
- Hampson has since been found dead on the floor of Barcelona nightclub
- Heartbroken family has paid tribute and described him having a heart of gold
A rising NRL star has been found dead on the floor of a Barcelona nightclub 30 hours after he vanished on an end of season trip.
Redcliffe Dolphins star Liam Hampson, 24, had been on the holiday of a lifetime travelling across Europe with Gold Coast Titans’ fullback Alexander ‘AJ’ Brimson and Brisbane Broncos stars Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.
Brimson shared a frantic post on Wednesday night explaining Hampson hadn’t been seen since visiting Barcelona nightclub Sala Apolo at 4.30am on Tuesday.
Barcelona Police confirmed to Seven News early Thursday AEST a body believed to be Hampson has 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,’ police said.
Hampson’s death is being treated by police as a tragic accident.
His family has since confirmed the sad news in a heartbreaking Facebook post.
Redcliffe Dolphins star Liam Hampson (pictured) has tragically been found dead in Barcelona
The rising NRL star (left) paid tribute to his mother Lorna Morton (right) on Mother’s Day earlier this year
Liam Hampson was found dead on the floor by venue staff at Barcelona nightclub Sala Apolo (pictured)
‘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,’ 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 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 thoughts are with them.’
He ended the post asking for privacy.
Hampson’s death was confirmed just hours after Brimson launched a desperate appeal to find his mate.
‘Hasn’t been able to be contacted and no one has seen him for 24 hours … was travelling with a group and very out of character, any info would be greatly appreciate,’ Brimson captioned a photo of Hampson wearing the clothes he was last seen wearing – a black t-shirt and light coloured shorts and baseball cap.
‘Please do not message me unless you have any help or info. We are busy trying to message family members etc. Thanks!’
Riki also reposted the photo with a message begging for help to find him, which was then shared by the Broncos.
‘Please help or share this [message] it’s very scary for all of us he’s our best mate we want to find him,’ Riki wrote on his Instagram.
Hampson’s sister Tiarna also shared a desperate appeal on Instagram: ‘Please please please if you’re travelling in Barcelona, look out for Liam. Praying you’re okay.’
On Facebook she wrote ‘My brother Liam Hampson is currently missing in Barcelona, Spain.
‘Please if you know anyone in Barcelona, about to travel to Barcelona please let them know to keep an eye out.’
Queensland footy player Liam Hampson has gone missing in Spain sending his friends and family into overdrive as they desperately try to find him
Gold Coast Titans’ fullback Alexander ‘AJ’ Brimson posted a photo of his friend, Liam Hampson, on Wednesday evening Australian time, showing Hampson in the clothes he was last seen wearing
Brimson (left) and Hampson (right) on their European trip with Australian mates
Hampson (top left) during his European holiday with fellow young rugby league stars including Jordan Riki (front left)
Liam Hampson (far right) with his Aussie mates during the European trip days before he suddenly went missing in Barcelona
Liam Hampson (right) in Paris watching Lionel Messi play football
The young footballer’s mother Lorna wrote: ‘he is loved by so many and we are trying to think positively’.
Hampson had been holidaying around Europe with Brimson, Riki and Arthars.
The young friends have posted dozens of photos from their adventure-packed travels in the past month, including snaps from Paris, Ibiza, Amsterdam, Munich and Positano in Italy.
Hampson plays at hooker for the Redcliffe Dolphins and his team-mate Bryce Donovan posted a message looking for information about his whereabouts.
The Dolphins have secured a place in the 2023 NRL season but Hampson is not among the club’s top tier squad.
The team’s NRL recruitment boss Peter O’Sullivan told The Daily Telegraph Hampson was a ‘really nice young kid’, and said he was shocked about the news.
The Dolphins have commenced inquiries to help track down the footballer.
‘We don’t have further details, we’ve made some inquiries internally and hopefully we can find out more,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We hope Liam is alright, 30 hours is a long time so it is a worry.’
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