Search for Missing 18-Year-Old Hiker Lily Hooper Continues in Nattai National Park

A multi-agency effort has been underway for a week in the dense bushland of Nattai National Park, about 90 km south-west of Sydney. The operation now includes PolAir, NSW Police Rescue, the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Volunteer Rescue Association crews and friends and family of Lily Hooper have also been deployed from locations as far north as Cessnock. Poor weather over the weekend has hampered aerial and ground searches in the rugged terrain.

The Guardian

The Hooper family released a statement saying they are “absolutely devastated” by Lily’s disappearance and asked the public to keep her in their thoughts while the search continues. NSW police chief inspector Brendan Bernie told reporters that thermal imaging and aerial sweeps conducted by PolAir on the night of the first search day yielded no trace of the teenager. He noted that the dense tree canopy makes aerial detection difficult and that police do not know what supplies Lily was carrying. The police emphasized reliance on Lily’s hiking experience to aid her survival.

The Guardian

Lily Hooper, an 18-year-old from Sydney, left her home on Wednesday August 12 for a hike on the Bonnum Pic trail. She sent messages from the summit mid-morning that day and was reported missing when she failed to return home that evening. Her car was found near the trailhead on Wanganderry Road at High Range at 11 pm. She is described as Caucasian, approximately 175 cm tall, slim-built, with long blond hair and blue eyes, last seen wearing a shirt and shorts.

The Guardian

Authorities are urging anyone who was on the Bonnum Pic trail on August 12 or who has information about Lily’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The family has requested privacy and asked that only professional search teams continue the on-ground effort.

The Guardian