Body of missing teenage hiker recovered near Sydney

Australian police recovered the body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper from dense bushland in Nattai National Park, southwest of Sydney, on Thursday. Hooper had been missing for over a week after leaving for a hike on August 12. Her body was airlifted from the remote location, and a post-mortem examination will determine the official cause of death. The extensive search involved police, emergency crews, and Australian Defence Force personnel. Recovery efforts were hampered by the rough terrain. Hooper's car was found at the trailhead of a challenging 16km track, typically used by more experienced hikers. Adding to the tragedy, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns apologized on Thursday for an earlier, incorrect report that Hooper had been found alive. Officials are investigating a potential miscommunication involving a police code. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon also "unreservedly" apologized for the error and the additional trauma it caused Hooper's family.

“

Multiple Australian media outlets identified the hiker as Lily Hooper, who left her home in Sydney's southwest on Aug 12 to go hiking in Nattai National Park, but did not return that evening.