Missing Australian teenager found dead after eight-day search

The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper has been discovered in dense bushland in New South Wales, Australia, concluding an eight-day search operation. Hooper disappeared on August 12 while hiking in Nattai National Park, prompting a large-scale, multi-agency search after her car was found near a walking trail.

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I’ve got some terrible news. I apologise … Lily’s body has been found.

Her remains were located around 11:30 a.m. local time on Thursday in the Southern Highlands. While awaiting formal identification, police believe the body is that of the missing teenager. The discovery followed an extensive effort involving NSW Police, the State Emergency Service, the Rural Fire Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and personnel from the Australian Defence Force.

The search concluded under a cloud of confusion after New South Wales Premier Chris Minns initially informed parliament that Hooper had been found alive. He later corrected his statement, expressing profound sadness for the family and apologizing for the miscommunication, which he attributed to receiving incorrect information and genuinely believing he was sharing good news.

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This is obviously devastating, and I’m profoundly sad for her family and for all those concerned.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon also apologized to Hooper's family for the miscommunication, stating it stemmed from initial elation that she had been found. Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Cassar confirmed that Hooper's parents were incorrectly informed their daughter was alive for a brief period before the updated report was given.

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The miscommunication obviously was born out of elation that Lily had been found. Tragically, that miscommunication then led to a deflation and obviously we know now, an impact on her family.

Retrieving Hooper's body proved challenging due to the difficult terrain and dense tree canopy, which prevented helicopter access. Authorities are now working on a plan, likely involving manual retrieval on foot, to bring her body back to her family. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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Unfortunately, it did take that small period of time for us to give them an update.