Body of missing hiker Lily Hooper found after eight days in Nattai National Park in NSW
Police and the NSW Premier have provided an update after 18-year-old Lily Hooper was found following an eight-day search.
The body of Lily Hopper, who went missing in New South Wales bushland eight days ago has been found.
The 18-year-old went hiking in Nattai National Park in New South Wales last Wednesday.
About 8am, the teen left Oakdale in Sydney’s south-west.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.While in the park, Ms Hooper sent messages to her loved ones and it is understood she reached the summit of Bunnum Pic about mid-morning.
That evening, the experienced bushwalker did not return and could no longer be reached, prompting a multi-agency search for the teenager.
Ms Hooper’s car was found at the Bonnum Pic trailhead on Wanganderry Road around 11pm but no further signs had been found of her.
On Thursday morning, police confirmed the body of a bushwalker they believe to be Ms Hooper was located around 11.30am.
“While yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the 18-year-old woman,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
“A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”
In a parliamentary hearing, NSW Premier Chris Minns initially said the teenager had been “found alive” before making another statement.
“I’ve got some terrible news,” he said, as published by The Guardian.
“I apologise … it seems as if the earlier advice was wrong.
“Lily’s body has been found.
“She’d been found deceased.
“This is obviously devastating, and I’m profoundly sad for her family and for all those concerned.
“I apologise.”
It comes after almost 100 members of the Australian Defence Force joined the search for the teenager on Wednesday, in addition to 200 emergency services and defence personnel.
More to come...
