Liam Hampson: Father’s touching tribute for rising NRL star son after his death in Spain
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The heartbroken father of a young footy star who accidentally fell to his death in Spain has shared a touching tattoo tribute to his son.
Liam Hampson, 24, was found dead on October 19 at the Sala Apolo nightclub in Barcelona after falling more than 10 meters from a wall in a restricted area.
The Redcliffe Dolphins player, who had been on a journey of a lifetime through Europe with NRL partners, had gone missing in the same location about 30 hours earlier after becoming trapped in the non-public access area while searching for a toilet.
On Tuesday, his devastated father Brett Hampson posted photos to social media of two new pieces of body art on his arm in honor of his son, who was an avid sportsman and avid surfer.
One was Mickey Mouse carrying a surfboard, while the second was a quote from his biceps lecture, “Always turn a negative into a positive Hampo #9,” in a poignant reference to Liam’s play number.
Liam Hampson pictured at a football game with his dad Brett and stepmother Jamie
Brett Hampson shared photos on Facebook this week of his new tattoos in honor of his son
Friends were quick to praise his new ink and send their love to the grieving family.
“Beautiful tribute to your wonderful son,” said Doris Pearse.
‘Absolutely great! I love it,” Allen Kitchener wrote.
Emma Jane commented, ‘I love this Brett. Such a great reminder to always be there when you need it.’
It comes as Hampson’s family prepares for his funeral service to be held on November 7 at his homeland, Dolphins Stadium in Redcliffe, in the Moreton Bay area of Queensland.
Earlier this week, the Calatolonia High Court approved the release of Hampson’s body to Australia so that his family could take him home after Spanish authorities completed their autopsy process.
A funeral invitation posted online by his mother and father asked those in attendance to dress as his son would, in “shirts and birches,” as part of a service that will be a “celebration of life.”
“As Liam would have liked, we ask those in attendance to come dressed in, as Liam would say, ‘S*** Shirts and Birks’ or casual comfortable attire,” the invitation read.
“We thank everyone for their support and for those who reached out to honor Liam’s memory as a community, as a team and as a family.
“A live stream will be provided for those who are abroad or interstate and are unable to attend.”
Hampson (right) traveled through Europe with NRL star AJ Brimson (left) and other friends. The photo shows the couple enjoying the sights of Amsterdam
Pictured: Sala Apolo nightclub in Barcelona, where Hampson was found dead on October 19
Hampson, who played hooker for the Dolphins and recently helped send his side to the Queensland Cup grand final, was traveling with friends including Titans’ fullback Alexander ‘AJ’ Brimson and Broncos stars Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.
CCTV footage showed that Hampson had become separated from friends and then locked out on a terrace after going through two emergency exits that only opened in one direction.
He then plunged 14 meters to his death on an internal patio while attempting to jump over an adjacent wall.
A frantic search was launched by family and friends, with a missing persons poster circulating on social media, before his body was discovered 30 hours later by nightclub staff who tracked down the sound of a phone ringing on the patio.
Riki quickly set up a GoFundMe that raised $72,448 within hours to bring Hampson’s body home and support his grieving family as tributes poured online for the “beautiful soul.”
“I love you, my brother, your beautiful soul, I’m so sorry,” Riki wrote on Instagram.
“I can’t put into words how I feel, I love you bro, I’m so sorry.”
Campbell Pirihi said: ‘You have lived life to the fullest, you touched so many hearts with that infectious smile and positive attitude.
Cheeky, funny and down to earth with the biggest heart. That’s how I’ll remember you. Keep those one-liners, keep those competitiveness and I’ll see you soon my brother. Love you.’