The body of 18-year-old bushwalker Lily Hooper was discovered in dense bushland in the NSW Southern Highlands on Thursday, August 22, at approximately 11:30 AM local time, following an eight-day search. The discovery was initially reported as a live find, but authorities later confirmed she had died.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon issued an apology for the miscommunication that led to the family of the deceased being informed she was alive before the correction. NSW Premier Chris Minns also acknowledged the error during a parliamentary hearing, stating that earlier advice had been incorrect.
Core Developments:
- Lily Hooper’s body was located in the Nattai National Park, roughly 90 km southwest of Sydney, during a multi-agency search involving police, emergency services, and defense personnel.
- Initial reports indicated she was alive, but authorities later confirmed her death, triggering an apology from both NSW Police and the state premier.
Miscommunication Details:
The confusion stemmed from a radio transmission at 11:27 AM, where searchers reported finding Hooper but used coded language to describe her condition. A volunteer stated over the radio that a ‘water bottle was broken’—a term used to avoid delivering upsetting news in real-time. Base operators then clarified that the missing person had been found ‘injured’, not deceased.
Family and Official Responses:
Lily Hooper’s family, who had been stationed at the search command point since her disappearance, were initially informed she was alive. Eighteen minutes later, they received an update confirming her death. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated:
‘I unashamedly apologise for any additional trauma that may have caused Lily’s family. Certainly for the embarrassment and confusion that caused the miscommunication.’
NSW Premier Chris Minns also addressed the error during a parliamentary hearing, saying:
‘I’ve got some terrible news. It seems as if the earlier advice was wrong. Lily’s body has been found and she’s been found deceased.’
Search Efforts and Background:
Hooper was reported missing on August 12 after failing to return from a hike in Nattai National Park. Her car was found near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, prompting a large-scale search involving nearly 100 Australian Defence Force personnel, 280 NSW SES volunteers, and multiple emergency services units.
Investigation and Next Steps:
An investigation into the inter-agency miscommunication has been launched. Police have not yet released details on the circumstances surrounding Hooper’s death, pending formal identification and further inquiries.
Hooper’s family issued a statement earlier in the week, expressing their devastation and requesting privacy as they navigated the situation. The search, which involved thermal-imaging helicopters, telecommunications data analysis, and ground crews, spanned rugged terrain including steep drops, dense undergrowth, and complex cliff lines.