Missing Teen Hiker Found Dead in Australian Bush After Eight‑Day Search

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:05:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

18‑year‑old Lily Hooper died in the Australian bush after an eight‑day search following a mistaken announcement of her being alive. NSW Police and military units aided the operation.

The body of 18‑year‑old Lily Hooper was recovered in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales after an eight‑day search, following an initial erroneous announcement that she had been found alive. The teenager had gone hiking in Nattai National Park on 12 August, remaining missing until her death was confirmed. NSW Police coordinated with multiple units, including PolAir, the Rescue, Trail Bike, Mounted and Dog units, and received support from the Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and a substantial Australian Defence Force contingent. Premier Chris Minns and assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Cassar clarified the confusion over the victim’s status, and the incident prompted remarks from both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Angus Taylor.

Missing teen hiker found dead in Australian bush after eight‑day search

The body of 18‑year‑old Lily Hooper was recovered in dense vegetation in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales after police announced her being alive early in the search. The misunderstanding caused distress for her family, who had preliminary information that she was unharmed.

The teenager left her Sydney home on 12 August for a walk in Nattai National Park, missing an evening from home at 10pm. Her car was left in a parking lot near a challenging trail.

NSW Police coordinated an eight‑day operation with units such as PolAir, Rescue, Trail Bike, Mounted and Dog units, plus the Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and nearly 100 Australian Defence Force personnel.

Premier Chris Minns initially announced a live find at a parliamentary hearing but corrected himself, saying the body had been found. Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Cassar admitted the family received an inaccurate update, and noted a lag of 8‑10 minutes before the final correct report.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the death as an "unspeakable tragedy" in Parliament, while opposition leader Angus Taylor echoed the pain of the family, condemning the misinformation that added to their sorrow.

Sources: BBC News