The body of rising rugby league star Liam Hampson has been released to his devastated family following his tragic death inside a Spanish nightclub.
The High Court of Catalonia on Monday cleared paperwork authorising the release of the 24-year-old’s body, allowing the Australian Consulate in Barcelona to help the family repatriate Hampson to Queensland in time for his funeral.
A spokesperson for the department confirmed the transfer with the Herald Sun.
“The magistrate for the High Court of Catalonia has now authorised the transfer,” said spokeswoman for the department, Lydia Garrida.
“The coroner’s report is ready and the funeral in Australia has been organised.”
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Hampson, who played for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup, was found dead inside Sala Apolo nightclub in Barcelona on October 20 during a whirlwind European holiday with first grade players AJ Brimson, Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.
On the night of his death, he is believed to have become separated from friends in search of a bathroom when he pushed through two emergency doors and entered a cordoned-off terrace.
Security cameras showed Hampson make his way back to the club in darkness, jumping a short wall before he plunged 14 metres to his death.
His body was found by staff at the bottom of an open air courtyard inside the club some 30 hours later.
Hampson’s family are now organising a funeral service to be held at his home ground, the Dolphins Stadium (Moreton Daily Stadium), in Redcliffe next Monday.
A funeral invitation, sent by Hampson’s father Brett, encourages attendees to dress the way he would, in “s**t shirts and birks”.
“As Liam will have wanted, we ask that those attending come dressed in, as Liam would say, ‘S**t Shirts and Birks’ or casual comfy clothes,” his father said.
“We thank everyone for their support and for those who have reached out as we honour Liam’s memory as a community, as a team and as a family.”
The family said a livestream of the service will be available for those who are overseas or interstate and unable to attend.
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