From ‘elation’ to ‘terrible news’ in 10 minutes: how the confusion over missing bushwalker Lily Hooper unfolded
Summary
Eighteen-year-old Lily Hooper, who went missing during a hike in a national park in New South Wales, was mistakenly reported as found alive by police and officials. Later, police confirmed her body was found, and they apologized for the confusion caused by difficult radio communication in the dense bushland during the search.Key Facts
- Lily Hooper was last seen on 12 August hiking in Nattai National Park, 90 km southwest of Sydney.
- She was reported missing the same day, leading to a large search involving nearly 1,000 people.
- Police initially told the public and Hooper’s family that she had been found alive due to mixed radio messages from search teams.
- Difficult terrain and thick bushland caused poor radio communications and confusion during the search.
- About 10 minutes after the first incorrect report, a second and more accurate message confirmed her body was found.
- New South Wales Premier Chris Minns publicly announced Hooper was alive, then corrected the information minutes later.
- Police and officials apologized for the miscommunication and the distress it caused the family.
- Opposition leader Angus Taylor also addressed the error and paid tribute to Hooper in parliament.
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