Investigation to follow traumatic hiker mix-up

A radio code word will be central to investigations into a traumatic mix-up surrounding the disappearance of 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper, according to NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing. The family was initially told their daughter was still alive after a volunteer discovered her body in Nattai National Park, southwest of Sydney.

Earlier reports suggested a code word related to water bottles may have caused the communication error. The NSW Police Commissioner confirmed that codes are often used in search-and-rescue operations to distinguish logistical information from loved ones monitoring radio lines. The team is conducting a multi-agency investigation to understand the incident and prevent similar mishaps.

Approximately 1000 volunteers searched the dense bushland for nearly a week before finding Hooper's body. The teenager went missing on August 12 after leaving her home to hike, and her body was recovered a significant distance from her car in the park's steep cliffs. Both NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns have apologized for the miscommunication, with Minns expressing remorse for broadcasting the mistaken reports to parliament.