Rugby league player Liam Hampson has died after an accident in the Spanish city of Barcelona, with his family confirming his death after his travel buddies raised concerns about his whereabouts.
The 24-year-old had been holidaying in Europe with friends including Gold Coast Titans player AJ Brimson, who had reported him missing.
Brimson said Hampson was last seen at 4:30am on Tuesday local time at the Sala Apolo nightclub.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo has reported that Hampson had died after falling 10 metres at the nightclub.
Father Brett Hampson said he woke up this morning to the news no-one wanted to hear.
"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 cannot express our grief.
"We cannot 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.
According to social media posts, Hampson had been on a trip through Europe with friends, including Brimson and Brisbane Broncos player Jordan Riki.
He had gone to the Amalfi Coast and Switzerland in recent weeks.
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.
Hampson 'had the NRL dream'
Hampson started his Queensland Rugby League career with the Tweed Seagulls in 2019 before the hooker joined the Redcliffe Dolphins for the 2022 season.
The Dolphins will join the National Rugby League in 2023.
Tweed Seagulls chief executive Matthew Francis said Hampson had come through as a very talented junior.
"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.
"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 Redcliffe Dolphins said in a statement Hampson was "a vibrant, wonderful young man".
"The club has been in contact with his family to assist in any way possible, and is also ensuring both Liam’s fellow players and club staff are receiving any and all support they require through this difficult period," the club said in a statement.
"Those efforts will remain the club's focus in the immediate days to come, with a fitting tribute to Liam to be made at a more appropriate time."
Keebra Park State High School principal Adam Brandis said Hampson was a former student and rugby coach at the Gold Coast school.
"Liam graduated Keebra Park State High School in 2016 and continued to be a part of our community, by coaching the school's next generation of rugby league stars," Mr Brandis said.
"He will be remembered for his passion and dedication to our school, his great sense of humour and the life-long friendships he formed with students and staff."
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was providing consular assistance to the family and extended their condolences.
