The body of a woman believed to be 18-year-old Lily Hooper was found in the Southern Highlands on Thursday, concluding an eight-day search after she was reported missing on 12 August. Police said the remains had not yet been formally identified but were believed to be Hooper's. A large multi-agency operation — including NSW Police units, the Rural Fire Service, National Parks and nearly 100 ADF personnel — had been involved in the search. Officials apologised after initial, incorrect reports that she had been found alive.
Lily Hooper Believed Dead After Eight-Day Search In Nattai National Park
Missing teen hiker found dead in Australian bush after eight-day search
The body of a woman believed to be 18-year-old Lily Hooper was discovered in bushland in the Southern Highlands on Thursday, ending an eight-day search for the Sydney teenager who went missing on 12 August.
Police said the remains had not yet been formally identified at the time of the announcement but were believed to be Hooper's. Her family reported her missing after she left home to go walking in a nearby national park and failed to return by 10pm.
Search Timeline
Officers located Hooper's car in a car park at the base of a challenging trail in Nattai National Park. The woman's body was recovered at approximately 11:30 local time in the Southern Highlands on Thursday, police said.
Multi-Agency Response
A large multi-agency operation had been underway during the search. NSW Police Force units involved included PolAir, the Rescue Unit, the Trail Bike Unit, the Mounted Unit and the Dog Unit. Support also came from the Rural Fire Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and nearly 100 members of the Australian Defence Force.
Confusion And Official Statements
Initial confusion followed reports that Hooper had been found alive. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns mistakenly told a parliamentary hearing she was alive but later corrected his remarks and confirmed the body had been located. Minns apologised to the committee and described the discovery as devastating.
Lily's body has been found.
Reactions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Hooper in federal parliament, calling her death an unspeakable tragedy and saying she had much more to offer the world. Opposition leader and Hooper's local MP Angus Taylor said the earlier incorrect reports that she had been found alive compounded the family's grief.
Lily Hooper had so much more to offer the world. Her passing will be felt very deeply.
We can only imagine what Lily's family is going through right now. Such news would be a nightmare for any parent, and we grieve for Lily's wider family.
Police said inquiries remain ongoing and asked for privacy for the family while identification procedures and any further investigations continue.
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