Liam Hampson: Queensland rugby league player found dead in Spain

Redcliffe Queensland Cup player Liam Hampson has been found dead on an end-of-season trip to Spain. The dummy-half had been on holiday with a group of NRL players including Gold Coast star AJ Brimson and the Brisbane’s Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.

Concerns were first raised for the 24-year-old when Arthars and others posted to social media that he had not been seen for 24 hours after last being spotted at the Sala Apolo nightclub.

Barcelona police confirmed to 7 News on Thursday morning AEDT, that a body believed to be that of Hampson was found on a nightclub floor, believed to have been after a fall from a substantial height.

His father Brett confirmed Hampson’s death on social media.

“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 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 thought are with them.

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

Earlier, Arthar had posted to social media that Hampson had not been seen since 4:30am on 18 October wearing a black T-shirt and beige shorts.

“…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 ….,” he said.

“…this is very scary for all of us …,” Riki said in a repost.

Hampson had played four years in the Queensland Cup, moving from Tweed Head Seagulls to Redcliffe at the end of 2021.

He came off the bench in last month’s Queensland Cup grand final loss to Norths Devils, and was in a position to impress Wayne Bennett and the NRL’s 17th franchise at the Dolphins.

source: theguardian.com