Body of Missing Teenage Hiker Found Near Sydney; Officials Apologize for Error

Authorities have recovered the body of an 18-year-old hiker, identified by media as Lily Hooper, from dense bushland in Nattai National Park, southwest of Sydney. Hooper had been missing for more than a week after embarking on a hike on August 12.

Her body was located on Thursday following an extensive search effort involving police, emergency crews, and Australian Defence Force personnel. The challenging terrain reportedly hampered recovery operations. Hooper's car was found at the trailhead of a difficult 16-km track designed for experienced hikers.

The incident has been marked by an official apology from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. They expressed regret for an earlier miscommunication that led to authorities wrongly reporting Hooper as alive. An investigation is underway to determine if a police code mix-up caused the error, which added to the trauma for Hooper's family. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the identity and cause of death.

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unreservedly apologised for the error and for causing 'any additional trauma' to Hooper's family.