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NSW police apologise over bushwalker death
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
NSW police apologised after telling family Lily Hooper was alive, then finding her dead. The miscommunication devastated the family and sparked official apologies.
Background
Lily Hooper, an 18-year-old bushwalker, went missing in Nattai National Park, south-west of Sydney, and was found dead after an eight-day search. The NSW Premier initially announced she had been found alive, but minutes later corrected that her body had been located, leading to apologies from officials.
How it unfolded
- Aug 20, 2026Lily Hooper's body was found in bushland in the Southern Highlands after an eight-day search.
- Aug 20, 2026NSW Premier Chris Minns told parliament Hooper was found alive, then minutes later announced she was found dead, apologizing for the wrong advice.
- recentlyNSW Police and SES officials addressed media, and police commissioner Mal Lanyon was expected to speak later.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- NSW Police and Premier Minns apologized for the miscommunication, expressing profound sadness for the family.
- Family
- Hooper's family thanked search teams and asked only professional teams continue due to terrain and conditions.
Still unverified
The exact cause of death and details of the miscommunication are not yet confirmed; formal identification pending.