There has been a tragic end to the search for young Queensland rugby league player Liam Hampson, with the 24-year-old found dead in a Barcelona nightclub.
Hampson and a group of friends which included NRL stars AJ Brimson, Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthurs, had attended the Sala Apolo nightclub on Tuesday night together before they lost contact with Hampson at around 5.30am in the morning.
Brimson had posted a desperate message on social media asking for help finding his friend.
It is understood the search for Hampson was called off when employees of the nightclub found a lifeless body on one of the floors.
Barcelona Police since confirmed to 7 Newsthat the body is believed to that of Hampson with the death being treated as an accident.
“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,” a police spokesperson told 7 News.
According to Spanish news publication El Caso, police believe Hampson may have died because of an accidental fall.
News Corp reports that a handful of Australian players in England for the Rugby League World Cup knew Hampson, including Brisbane forward Patrick Carrigan.
Team officials confirmed to News Corp that Hampson was known to players who are involved with the World Cup campaign.
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.”
It comes after Brimson took to social media to spread the word of Hampson’s disappearance and request any help in locating him.
“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 ect.. Thanks!!”
The 24-year-old Hampson played three seasons for Tweed Seagulls before his move to Redcliffe for 2022.
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 before they travelled to Barcelona.
“Missing in Barcelona, Liam Hampson from Australia, last seen at Sala Apollo nightclub leaving at 4:30am 18/10,” the post Brimson shared explained.
“Wearing the clothes in the photo, hasn’t been able to be contacted and no one seen him for 24 hours....was travelling with a group and very out of character, any info would be greatly appreciated.”
The Broncos sent their condolences to Liam’s family via twitter.
