The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper has been recovered from dense bushland in southern New South Wales, concluding an eight-day search for the missing hiker. The recovery operation was complicated by the rugged terrain, and an air extrication was performed on Thursday evening.
Hooper was reported missing on August 12 after she failed to return from a hike on the Bonnum Pic Trail in Nattai National Park. Her body was located by searchers on Thursday morning.
The family of Lily Hooper experienced a period of profound distress when they were initially informed she had been found alive, only to be later told she had died. This confusion arose from a miscommunication during the search efforts. Searchers reportedly used a codeword, "water bottle broken," to indicate that the missing person was deceased, but this was misinterpreted as an indication of injury rather than death.
NSW Premier Chris Minns relayed the initial, incorrect information to a budget estimates hearing, announcing that Lily had been found alive with "half a bottle of water." He later corrected his statement in the same hearing, announcing she had been found deceased. Minns subsequently issued an apology, expressing deep regret for any additional heartbreak his inaccurate announcement may have caused to Hooper's family during their devastating time.
Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar of NSW Police stated that officers sought to keep the family updated as developments occurred, rather than waiting for absolute confirmation, acknowledging that communication challenges can sometimes lead to inaccurate initial information.
The multi-agency search effort involved hundreds of volunteers from the State Emergency Service (SES), alongside personnel from the Police, Australian Defence Force, Parks and Wildlife Rescue, and Fire and Rescue NSW. Initial investigations suggested Hooper had reached the summit of Bonnum Pic mountain before her disappearance. The 16-kilometer trail is described as strenuous and challenging, with warnings to proceed cautiously. Mobile phone signal is also reported to be weak and unreliable along the route.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Hooper's death as an "unspeakable tragedy," noting that her passing would be deeply felt across the southern highlands and the nation. Local MP Angus Taylor also offered condolences, acknowledging the profound grief of Hooper's family.
Mark Szalajko, Hooper's instructor at the Smeaton Grange Bujutsu Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, paid tribute to her character, describing her as "talented and tough," and a person whom "everyone simply liked." He recalled conversations about her positive outlook on the future, her plans for travel, and her developing friendships and personal growth within her martial arts journey, noting that her personal development far outweighed any physical achievements.
