Grieving father's heartfelt plea to NSW Premier after losing daughter Lily Hooper in Nattai National Park hiking tragedy

The heartbroken father of teenage hiker Lily Hooper has made an emotional plea to the NSW Premier for a special tribute to his daughter, who died during a solo bushwalk in the Nattai National Park.

In the rugged bushland of Oakdale where Lily grew up, her parents Jim and Kirrily and little brother Charlie are grappling with their devastating loss.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Lily Hooper’s family mourns after tragic hiking death

“It’s just so sad that she’s gone. I feel blessed we had her in our lives for a time,” Jim Hooper said.

The 18-year-old was described by her father as unstoppable and fearless.

“She just loved the outdoors. She just had so many skills that, you know, we tried to install in her. Yeah, she was just a clever kid who wasn’t afraid to take anything on. That was her free spirit,” he said.

Ten days ago, when Lily set off in the Nattai National Park, south-west of Sydney, Jim and Kirrily tried not to worry. The third of their four children had managed a three-day hike of Mount Kosciuszko at Easter.

When no-one heard from Lily by nightfall, panic set in. For the next eight days and nights, the Hoopers and the rest of the state waited.

Then came that cruel moment when they were told Lily had been found alive in a communication bungle.

Jim was asked if he was angry at police, he responded: “No, not at all. I’m not in any way angry at the police or the police commissioner or the premier.”

“She will leave a legacy, I hope, for girls, young girls, you know, to get out and about and enjoy, you know, life like she did,” Jim said.

And they’d like Premier Chris Minns to keep their daughter’s memory alive just a little longer.

“If Chris Minns could organise probably to get the flag put at half-mast for her,” Jim said.

“Oh, just as a tribute to Lily. You know, like I say, she’s an advocate for young women.”