Body of Missing Hiker Lily Hooper Recovered in Australia

The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper has been recovered from dense bushland in Nattai National Park, New South Wales, more than a week after she went missing.

Hooper had left her Sydney home on August 12 to hike in the Southern Highlands and did not return. Her vehicle was found at the start of the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, prompting an extensive search involving about 100 Australian Defence Force personnel. The body, believed to be Hooper's, was located on Thursday, but rough terrain hampered recovery efforts.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has apologized for a miscommunication that led authorities to initially tell Hooper's family she had been found alive. NSW Premier Chris Minns also apologized, stating there was a brief window where the family believed she was alive before confirmation of her death. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to formally identify the body and determine the cause of death.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Hooper's death as an unspeakable tragedy. Hooper is remembered by her martial arts teacher, Mark Szalajko, as a talented, tough, and well-liked individual. Local community centers and libraries have been lit up in purple in her memory, and a vigil is planned.