The body of missing Australian hiker Lily Hooper has been recovered after an eight‑day search in the Southern Highlands.
Within minutes of bogus reports claiming she was found alive, police confirmed the body was in Nattai National Park, southwest of Sydney.
State premier Chris Minns and NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon issued apologies to the family over the miscommunication that briefly reassured her parents.
The search, which involved around 1,000 volunteers, ended with the body being air‑lifted for a post‑mortem examination to confirm identity and cause of death.
Officials say codes used in large search operations may cause confusion; procedures will be reviewed to prevent future errors.
