A chilling final photo has emerged of rising NRL star Liam Hampson enjoying life in a crowded Spanish nightclub just hours before he mysteriously fell to his death at the venue.
The popular Redcliffe Dolphins player was captured in the background of a photograph at Barcelona’s Sala Apolo music club just hours before he disappeared at 4:30am on Tuesday.
Broncos star Jordan Riki – who was vacationing with Hampson alongside Brisbane player Jesse Arthars and Titans full-back Alexander ‘AJ’ Brimson – can be seen in the foreground wearing a white shirt kissing a woman on the cheek.
To the left of the couple, Liam appears with a big smile and one of his favorite hats frozen in time.
He was found dead on the ground by staff in an area of the club around midday on Wednesday (Barcelona time) after accidentally falling 10 meters.
The haunting final snap comes as new details emerged about the frantic 30-hour search to find Hampson as friends and family from Australia and Spain have joined forces to locate the young man.
Liam Hampson, 24, is pictured (right) during his night out at Spain’s Sala Apolo nightclub – just hours before he disappeared at 4.30am on Tuesday
In the hours following Hampson’s “very atypical” disappearance, his sister Tiarna sprung online to ask people in Barcelona to “please take care of Liam”.
She said the alarm was sounded when he could not be found after the group left Sala Apolo early Tuesday morning.
“He was last seen after leaving a nightclub with friends, and then [they] lost each other,” she wrote.
Friends on the European trip also flocked to the internet to share a missing person post that showed Hampson in his last known outfit – a beanie, black shirt and tan shorts.
“Could not be contacted and no one [has] seen him for 24 hours,’ Riki posted on Instagram.
‘Any information would be very welcome.’
The worrying news quickly made its way back to Australia, where other friends Down Under shared photos of the footballer and asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch.
“Hey friends, I’m trying to get in touch with our mate Liam Hampson. Currently in Spain,” wrote Bryce Donovan.
Liam Hampson was found dead on the floor by venue staff at Barcelona nightclub Sala Apolo (pictured). He reportedly fell from a height of 10 meters
The rising NRL star is pictured with his mother Lorna Morton on Mother’s Day this year
Hampson’s sister Tiarna remained confident that her brother was safe in a post on Facebook on Wednesday
“If anyone can get in touch or has any news please let me know.”
In the comments, Tiarna thanked Mr Donovan for drawing attention to her brother’s missing – but said she believes he is safe and well.
‘Thanks, I’m sure we’ll find him safely soon!’ She wrote.
Mr. Donovan replied: “Here to help, I’m sure he’ll get back to you soon!!”
Hampson is pictured with his sister Tiarna
Many people commented to say they shared the post hoping that maybe their friends in Barcelona could shed some light on his whereabouts.
One Australian currently touring the city offered to keep an eye out, while another woman said her friend in Spain would share the post with local hostels.
Others advised friends and family to share the post on local Spanish and Traveler Facebook groups.
Another person suggested Hampson may have lost his phone and wished the family well that he is found quickly.
“Barcelona is the pickpocketing hub, easy to get lost in and everyone speaks Spanish,” she wrote.
“My boyfriend lost his phone when we were there, when we were there and I haven’t heard from him for three days. We hope his phone just got stolen and he finds his friends soon.”
But three hours after Mr. Donovan’s post, the search came to a tragic end when Hampson’s body was found at the club.
The Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that the police believe he fell from a height of 10 meters.
The discovery came just hours after hundreds of revelers packed the venue on Tuesday night to see English goth metal band Paradise Lost.
Tributes have flowed for Hampson as devastated loved ones confirmed the news of his death online.
Liam Hampson (right) in Paris watches Lionel Messi play football
Liam Hampson (right) toured Europe with NRL star AJ Brimson (left) and other pals. Pictured is the couple enjoying the sights of Amsterdam
“Waking up to the news that no one wants to hear, we are devastated to learn that Liam had an accident and sadly did not survive,” his father Brett posted on Facebook.
“We are heartbroken to say the least. Liam had a heart of gold and was a beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. Words cannot express our sadness.
“We can’t thank his buddies enough for being with Liam, having the time of his life and helping to find our boy. Our thoughts are with them.”
Just hours after Tiarna made a desperate appeal to find him, she wrote a similar tribute.
“We are so broken,” she wrote.
“Liam was the best brother I could have ever wanted and made me a better person. We cannot express our sadness.
“We can’t thank the guys he was traveling with enough for helping with his quest and making sure his final days were the best of his life.
Liam Hampson (far right) with his Australian buddies during the European tour. Police are treating his death as a tragic accident
‘I’m going to miss you so much Liam.’
The family have asked for privacy as they cope with the heartbreaking loss.
Hampson and his group of buddies have posted dozens of photos from their adventurous travels over the past month, including snaps from Paris, Ibiza, Amsterdam, Munich and Positano in Italy.
Hampson played hooker for the Redcliffe Dolphins and recently helped lead his side to the Queensland Cup Grand Final, where they were narrowly beaten 10-16 by the Norths Devils.
The Dolphins will make their NRL debut next season under the guidance of legendary coach Wayne Bennett.
Hampson is not part of the club’s top squad.
