Missing teen hiker Lily Hooper found dead in NSW national park after week-long search

New South Wales police have confirmed that a woman's body found during the search for missing bushwalker Lily Hooper in Nattai national park, roughly 90km south-west of Sydney, is believed to be that of the 18-year-old. Formal identification is still pending, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Hooper, from Sydney, left home on Wednesday 12 August for her hike. Police believe she reached the summit of Bonnum Pic mountain by mid-morning that day, having sent messages from the trail earlier. She was reported missing after failing to return home that evening, and her car was later found near the trailhead on Wanganderry Road.

Premier's mistaken announcement

NSW premier Chris Minns initially told a parliamentary hearing that Hooper had been found alive with half a bottle of water, but minutes later had to correct himself, saying he had received incorrect information and apologising for the error. Minns said he had genuinely believed he was sharing good news and expressed profound sorrow to Hooper's family, adding he was sorry if his words had deepened their heartbreak.

Large-scale search effort

More than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel joined the search in its final day, alongside police aviation, the SES, rural and metropolitan fire services, and national parks staff. Volunteers, including Hooper's own family and rescue association crews from as far away as Cessnock, also took part. Dense bushland, thick tree canopy and poor weekend weather had complicated the search in the rugged terrain.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor, the local MP for the area, and prime minister Anthony Albanese both offered condolences, describing Hooper's death as a devastating loss felt across the Southern Highlands and the nation.