Rugby league player Liam Hampson has died in an accident after friends reported him missing in Barcelona, Spain, relatives say.
The 24-year-old was last seen leaving the Sala Appolo nightclub about 4.30am Tuesday.
He was travelling around Europe with friends, who reported him missing to local police.
Father Brett Hampson said he woke up this morning to the news no one wanted to hear.
The Redcliffe Dolphins Queensland Cup player Liam Hampson had been reported missing by friends.(Instagram)
“We are heartbroken to say the least,” he said on Facebook.
“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.”
Sister Tiarna Hampson said Liam “had an accident and didn’t survive”.
“Liam was the best brother I ever could of asked for and made me a better person,” she said on Instagram.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo has reported that Hampson was found dead after falling 10 metres at the nightclub.
Redcliffe Dolphin Liam Hampson dies in Europe while travelling with friends.(Supplied: Dylan Parker)
Hampson had been travelling around Europe with friends, including Gold Coast Titans player Alexander Brimson and Brisbane Broncos player Jordan Riki.
When Brimson raised the alarm, he said Hampson’s disappearance was “very out of character”.
Riki also posted on social media yesterday seeking help to find Hampson.
“This is very scary for all of us, he’s our best mate, we want to find him,” the post said.
Tweed Seagulls chief executive Matthew Francis said Hampson had come through as a very talented junior.
Redcliffe Dolphin Liam Hampson dies in Europe while travelling with friends.(Supplied: Dylan Parker Photography)
“Obviously he had the NRL dream as a young player and pursued that,” he said.
“Last year he left us to go to Redcliffe and the hope he’d get into their NRL system.
“He was a very talented athlete and very committed to pursuing that dream.
“He certainly had the talent and also the dedication.
“At our club it was Liam’s personality that was the most striking part of him. He brought a positive energy to everything he was involved in.
“He was well liked by his teammates.”
Mr Francis said Hampson was well respected as teachers’ aid at Keebra Park.
“He had a great manner with young kids as well. He had a bright future in all aspects of his life ahead of him and that’s what makes today’s news so tragic.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Dolphins are yet to confirm the death.
Source:: ABC News
