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Liam Hampson: Rugby player, 24, found dead at nightclub after frantic search as overseas trip turns tragic

The Australian rugby league player was discovered dead on October 19, after he went missing at 4:30 on Tuesday morning from the party venue

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Hours before the dead body of a rising National Rugby League (NRL) star was found, he was seen having the time of his life at the Sala Apolo music club in Barcelona. Liam Hampson’s last photo has been released by The Daily Mail, which showed him enjoying inside the Spanish nightclub.

The haunting image actually showed Broncos star Jordan Riki kissing a woman on her cheek. But the picture also captured Hampson in the background “with a broad smile and wearing one of his favourite caps,” the publication reported. The Australian rugby league player was discovered dead on Wednesday, October 19, after he went missing at 4:30 on Tuesday morning from the party venue.

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You can see Hampson's last photo here.

Mossos d'Esquadra police force’s spokesperson in Barcelona told Daily Mail Australia that Hampson’s body was found by the club’s staff members. He noted, “Officers started working on trying to identify the person and quickly established it was an Australian national who had already been formally reported as missing. Everything is pointing at this stage towards the death being accidental. I don't have information on when he was reported missing apart from the fact that it was recent.”

The spokesperson did not comment on how Hampson fell and from where exactly, but stated that the death was “the result of a fall of around 10 metres”. He added, “I can confirm the body was found in an area that forms part of the nightspot but can't assist at this stage with any more information on exactly where he was found and whether it was in an area open to the public or a private area.”

Earlier, when the 24-year-old had mysteriously vanished, his sister, Tiarna, had taken to the internet and posted, "Please please please if you’re travelling in Barcelona area, look out for Liam. Praying you’re okay ❤️.” A friend of Hampson, Bryce Donovan, also shared, “Hey friends, trying to get in contact with our mate Liam Hampson . Currently in Spain. If anyone can get in contact or knows any updates. Please let me know 🤟🏼.”

However, the family and friends’ search for the young man came to a very shocking end after Hampson’s body was found. His devastated father, Brett, wrote on Facebook, “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. 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.”

Besides, several people took to Twitter to pay tribute to Hampson as a user said, “RIP Liam Hampson 🥺 Thoughts go to his family and friends especially the poor guys that were on the trip with him and desperately trying to find him 💔.” Another user tweeted, “The Liam Hampson story is one of the most tragic events to ever happen. A mate just simply taking a trip with his boys only for it to end in the most horrible way. My condolences are with his loved ones. #rip ❤️.”

“Really really sad news re Liam Hampson, just so young. May he Rest In Peace and I hope the young men who were travelling with him get the support and help they need. Absolutely horrendous 😥🙏🏼,” the third one added.