Family of Missing Teen Hiker Pleads for Safe Return

The family of Lily Hooper, an 18-year-old hiker who disappeared six days ago, has issued a statement expressing their devastation and thanking those involved in the search.

Hooper vanished on Wednesday after setting out for a hike in a national park in the NSW Southern Highlands. She was last seen leaving her parents' home in Oakdale, southwest of Sydney, around 8 a.m. Her car was later found by searchers on Wanganderry Road.

In a statement released by NSW Police on Tuesday, Hooper's family described themselves as "absolutely devastated that our beloved daughter Lily is missing." They extended their gratitude to "all the emergency services and volunteers for their support and continued commitment to the search, not only during the day but throughout the night."

"We desperately want to bring Lily home safe and we ask as the search continues, to keep our family and Lily in your thoughts," the statement continued. The family also requested privacy as they navigate the situation.

Professional search teams, including NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service (SES), and the Lifesaver 21 rescue helicopter crew, are involved in the operation, which entered its sixth day on Tuesday morning.

While authorities are investigating the incident as hiking-related, a local bushwalker noted that they had previously stopped visiting the park due to concerns about "unusual people."

Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina told the Daily Mail that police will examine all aspects of Hooper's life as part of their investigation, including the possibility of foul play. "They will be throwing everything at it, as best they can, until a decision is made when they feel like they've exhausted the search. It will then become a recovery mission, not a location one," Bezzina said.

Bezzina also highlighted the challenges of searching in rugged bushland, noting that difficult terrain and the presence of wild animals can hinder the discovery of evidence. Police are expected to consult with survival experts to assess survivability in the wilderness without food or water.