In brief
After an eight‑day search in the Southern Highlands, the body of 18‑year‑old Lily Hooper was found in dense vegetation near Nattai National Park. The investigation began when she vanished a night after a walk in a nearby national park. Mixed messaging from NSW Premier Chris Minns added confusion before police confirmed her death. Multi‑agency operations involved police, fire service, wildlife and the Australian Defence Force. The tragedy prompted statements from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and local MPs.
The body of Lily Hooper, 18, was discovered in the bushland of the Southern Highlands after an intensive eight‑day search.
Police confirmed that Holly was reported missing on 12 August when she failed to return home after a walk in a national park near Sydney. Her vehicle was located in a car park at a steep trail within Nattai National Park.
The body, found in dense vegetation around 11:30 local time on Thursday, was believed to be that of the missing teenager. Initial confusion arose when NSW Premier Chris Minns originally told a parliamentary hearing that Hooper had been found alive before correcting the statement and acknowledging her death.
Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Cassar said reporters were not explained how the family received the wrong information, noting a brief period of eight to ten minutes before the correct update was relayed to her parents.
The search involved 10–15 units of the NSW Police Force, including PolAir, the Rescue Unit, the Trail Bike Unit, the Mounted Unit and the Dog Unit. Support also came from the Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and nearly 100 soldiers from the Australian Defence Force.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Hooper in Parliament, describing her death as "an unspeakable tragedy" and praising her future potential. Opposition leader Angus Taylor highlighted how the false reports of her being alive intensified the pain for her family.
