The heartfelt search for a missing teenager reached its conclusion after an eight-day ordeal, marked by a heartbreaking miscommunication that left her family with false hope.
Authorities, in an unfortunate error, informed Lily Hooper’s family that she was still alive, following the discovery of her 18-year-old body in the thick terrain of Nattai National Park, located in NSW’s Southern Highlands.
The tragic outcome unfolded when a volunteer from the State Emergency Service found Hooper at approximately 11:30 am on Thursday. However, a failure in communication led to a mistaken notification to her family, according to NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar.
“The family was initially told she was believed to be alive due to early reports from search crews,” Cassar clarified to the media.
“We were able to swiftly rectify the information and provide a more accurate update within eight to ten minutes,” he added.
Hooper disappeared on 12 August after going on a hike.
The teenager from Oakdale, in Sydney’s south-west, did not return that evening and could not be contacted on her mobile phone, triggering a wide-scale search.
Her car was discovered at the Bonnum Pic trailhead the same night she went missing, but Cassar said the teenager was found a long way from her vehicle.
NSW premier shares ‘terrible news’ from parliament
In state parliament, NSW Premier Chris Minns was informed during budget estimates that Hooper had been found, and initially announced that she had been found alive, the ABC reported.
He later apologised, saying he had “terrible news”.
“I apologise to the committee, but it seems as if the early advice was wrong,” he said.
“This is obviously devastating, and I’m just profoundly sad for her family and all those concerned.”
He said in a follow-up statement afterwards that he had received incorrect advice and had “genuinely believed I was sharing good news”.
“My deepest condolences are with Lily’s family. I am profoundly sorry to think that anything I said may have added to their heartbreak at an already devastating time,” the premier said in the statement reported by several media outlets.
Hooper’s family has not yet commented publicly.
On Tuesday, Hooper’s family had issued a statement via NSW Police saying they were “absolutely devastated that our beloved daughter Lily is missing”.
“We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers for their support and continued commitment to the search, not only during the day but throughout the night,” the statement said.
“We desperately want to bring Lily home safe, and we ask as the search continues, to keep our family and Lily in your thoughts.
“We also ask for privacy and understanding as our family navigates this unimaginable situation.”
Taylor and Albanese react
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor have paid tribute to Hooper.
Speaking from parliament, Albanese said Hooper had been “taken from her family, the community and our nation far too young”.
“The tragedy of a parent losing a young one … is an unspeakable tragedy.
“Lily had so much more to offer the world.”
Members of parliament stood for a moment of silence after Albanese spoke.
Liberal leader Taylor said the initial confusion over Hooper’s condition had made matters worse.
The body was found in Taylor’s electorate.
“Lily loved bushwalking, and that only compounds the tragedy of her death,” he said.
“I want to thank all of those who helped search for and locate Lily.
“Any parent who reads this news will hug their children tighter tonight. When they do, they will spare a thought and a prayer for Lily’s father, mother and family who can’t do the same. We grieve for their most terrible loss.”
Albanese said he joined with Taylor, who he said “shared heartfelt words about the loss of someone from his local community”.
“Her passing, I have no doubt, will be felt very deeply across the Southern Highlands, among her family, her friends, and indeed right across the nation. Our thoughts are, of course, with her family and loved ones on what is an incredibly sad and difficult day.”
— With reporting from Australian Associated Press.