Broncos player Jordan Riki has delivered an impassioned tribute to his friend and travelling companion Liam Hampson.
Hampson, 24, was found dead in a Barcelona nightclub this week while on a trip with a group of friends which included NRL stars Riki, AJ Brimson and Jesse Arthurs.
The group attended the Sala Apolo nightclub on Tuesday night together before they lost contact with Hampson at around 5.30am.
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They posted desperate pleas on social media asking for help finding their friend, but the search was called off when nightclub employees found Hampson’s body.
Barcelona police on Thursday morning (AEDT) confirmed to 7News they believed Hampson had fallen from a height of 10 metres in an accident.
Riki led the tributes on social media for the footballer who played in the Queensland Cup for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
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“I love you my brother you beautiful soul, I’m so sorry,” Riki captioned a photo on his Instagram story of the pair.
“Can’t put into words how I’m feeling. Love you bro. I’m so sorry.
“Please know I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped to find our boy words can’t express how grateful I am for you guys,”
“Everyone who reached out and posted on your socials and asked for your family/friends to help thank you so much … RIP my beautiful brother.”
A Dolphins spokesman revealed Hampson had recently caught the eye of super coach Wayne Bennett.
“It’s just terrible what’s happened. We can’t believe it,” they told News Corp.
“Liam was full of life and really popular with the guys here at Redcliffe.
“He was a good player, he won us a game against Burleigh in the finals to get us into the grand final, he scored a try and changed the tempo of the game.
“After that game Liam had a conversation with Wayne Bennett (Dolphins NRL coach), who was impressed with his attitude.
“He was only small for a hooker but he really played above his weight and had great courage.
“Our thoughts go out to Liam’s family and friends.”
The loss of Hampson is the second tragedy to rock the Queensland Cup this year. In August, former Ipswich Jets player Michael Purcell died following a car crash.
Hampson was part of the New Zealand Warriors development system and played in the club’s under-20s team in 2017 after finishing school on the Gold Coast.
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His sister Tiarna shared a heartbreaking Instagram post paying tribute to her brother.
“We are devastated to find out Liam had an accident and did not survive,” Tiarna wrote.
“We are so heartbroken. Liam was the best brother I ever could of asked for and made me a better person.
“We cannot express our grief.
“We cannot thank the boys he was travelling with enough for assisting with his search and made sure his last days were the best of his life. Going to miss you so much, Liam.”
The Queensland Rugby League also paid tribute to Hampson and his family.
“Liam was a much loved and respected member of the rugby league community,” QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer said.
“It is terrible news to wake up to this morning, and our hearts go out to Liam’s family and friends, and his many current and former teammates and coaches, including those at his former club the Tweed Seagulls.
“Our thoughts are with everyone at the Dolphins and Seagulls today, as well as the wider rugby league community.
“We have reached out to both clubs to offer support from our wellbeing team.”
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