Missing teenager Lily Hooper found dead, as family initially given wrong information
NSW Police have admitted the 18-year-old's family was initially told she had been found alive.
The search for missing 18-year-old Lily Hooper concluded after her body was discovered in Nattai National Park, NSW's Southern Highlands. Initially, police mistakenly informed her family that she was still alive, leading to confusion. An SES volunteer found Hooper's body around 11:30 AM on Thursday. Her family had expressed devastation, praising emergency services and volunteers for their support throughout the search.
Hooper disappeared after a hike on August 12 and was not contacted on her phone the next evening, initiating a large-scale search. Her car was located at Bonnum Pic trailhead the same night she went missing, but Hooper's body was found far from the vehicle. NSW Premier Chris Minns initially announced her safe return, later apologizing for the incorrect information.
Hooper's family has not made any public comments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor paid tribute to Hooper, emphasizing the tragic loss of a young life.
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