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Hiker Lily Hooper missing
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Lily Hooper, 18, found dead in Nattai National Park after eight-day search.
Her death highlights risks of solo hiking in remote terrain.
Background
Lily Hooper, an experienced bushwalker, left her home in Sydney's south-west on 12 August for a hike in Nattai National Park. She was reported missing when she failed to return that evening, and her car was found near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail. An extensive search involving hundreds of rescuers was conducted over eight days.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026Lily Hooper left home about 8am for a hike in Nattai National Park; she sent messages from the trail earlier in the day.
- Aug 12, 2026She failed to return by 10pm and was reported missing; her car was found near the trailhead on Wanganderry Road.
- Aug 15, 2026Fresh search teams arrived at Nattai National Park on Saturday morning to continue the search.
- Aug 18, 2026Her family released a statement saying they were 'absolutely devastated' and thanked emergency services.
- Aug 20, 2026A body was found in dense vegetation in the Southern Highlands at about 11:30am; police believe it is Hooper, though formal identification is pending.
Who’s saying what
- Police
- Police treated the operation as a search and rescue, relying on Hooper's experience to survive, but later confirmed the body found was believed to be hers.
- Family
- Her family said they were 'absolutely devastated' and asked the public to keep them in their thoughts.
- Premier
- NSW Premier Chris Minns initially announced she had been found alive, then retracted, calling the situation 'obviously devastating'.
Still unverified
The body has not been formally identified as Lily Hooper; police believe it is her but confirmation is pending. Also, the initial report by the premier that she was found alive was later retracted.