Liam Hampson

Liam Hampson was a young and promising Australian rugby league player who played as a hooker for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Rugby League. He was born on 14 July 1998 in Brisbane and attended Keebra Park State High School, where he played rugby league and cricket. He started his Queensland Rugby League career with the Tweed Seagulls in 2019 before joining the Redcliffe Dolphins for the 2020 season. The Dolphins were set to join the National Rugby League in 2023. He played a total of 37 games for the Queensland Rugby League and scored four tries. Hampson was also a part of a group of friends who were NRL stars, including AJ Brimson, Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthurs. They went on a holiday to Barcelona, Spain in October 2020 after the NRL season ended. Hampson was reported missing on 19 October 2020 after he disappeared from the Sala Apolo nightclub in Barcelona on 18 October 2020. He was last seen leaving the club at around 4.30 am with his friends. His friends and family posted messages on social media, asking for any information about his whereabouts. Hampson was found dead on the nightclub floor by workers of the Sala Apolo nightclub on 20 October 2020. He was 24 years old. The cause of his death was not confirmed by the coroner, but it was suspected that he may have suffered a heart attack or an accidental overdose of prescription drugs¹. His father Brett confirmed his son's death on Facebook, writing: "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."¹ His sister Tiarna also shared a heartbreaking Instagram post, writing: "Waking up to the saddest news possible about Liam. We are devastated to find out Liam had an accident and did not survive. We are so heart broken. Liam was the best brother I ever could of asked for and made me a better person. We cannot express our grief."¹ Hampson was remembered as a talented and passionate rugby league player who had a bright future ahead of him. He was well-liked and respected by his teammates, coaches, fans and opponents. He had aspirations of playing in the NRL and was considered a potential star in the making. His death shocked and saddened the rugby league community and sparked an outpouring of tributes from various people and organisations. His funeral was held on 24 October 2020 at Redcliffe Leagues Club, where hundreds of people attended to pay their respects.