Hiker Lily Hooper, 18, found after eight days in NSW Southern Highlands
A teenager who disappeared during a hike in the NSW Southern Highland wilderness has been found after eight excruciating days.
Lily Hooper, 18, was reported missing on Wednesday, August 12 by her family after she told them she would go for a hike at Nattai National Park.
The experienced hiker left her Oakdale home in Sydney’s southwest about 8am with the intention of hiking at the national park, but the alarm was raised about 10pm when she failed to return home.
She was confirmed to have been found on Thursday morning. Her condition is as yet unknown.
About 11pm the same day, Ms Hooper’s car was found parked on Wanganderry Rd near the start of the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail.
Her disappearance sparked a massive search with hundreds of personnel on the ground, including 100 ADF officers, Polair, the dog unit, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Ambulance, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and 240 NSW SES volunteers.
The walking trail follows a sandstone ridge line and dense shrubbery, which has been labelled as a challenging and strenuous path recommended for experienced hikers.
Detective Inspector Benjamin Carey said the teenager was an experienced bushwalker.
“She does regularly engage in bushwalks, some quite challenging and it is one of her favourite recreational pastimes,” he said.
Earlier this week, Ms Hooper’s family said they were “devastated” by the disappearance.
“Our family is absolutely devastated that our beloved daughter Lily is missing,” they said in a statement.
“We desperately want to bring Lily home safe and we ask as the search continues, to keep our family and Lily in your thoughts.
“We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers for their support and continued commitment to the search, not only during the day but throughout the night.
“We appreciate people who have made offers for the search, but due to the terrain and conditions, we ask just professional search teams continue.”
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