# Body of missing hiker Lily Hooper found in Nattai National > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/search-for-missing-hiker-in-nattai-national-park > Updated: 2026-09-02T20:02:55.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 5. The eight-day multi-agency search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper in New South Wales’ Nattai National Park has concluded with the discovery of her body. Ms. Hooper, an experienced hiker, had been missing since August 12 after failing to return home to Oakdale. Her vehicle was located near the Bunnum Pic walking track on the night of her disappearance. The extensive operation involved approximately 1,000 personnel, including the Australian Defence Force, NSW Police, the State Emergency Service, and the Rural Fire Service, utilizing drones, thermal imaging helicopters, and ground units to navigate the rugged terrain. The discovery of her body on a Thursday morning brought the large-scale operation to a close. The conclusion of the search was marked by a significant communication error during a parliamentary hearing. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns initially announced that Ms. Hooper had been “found alive,” before retracting the statement minutes later to confirm she had been found deceased. Premier Minns apologized to the committee for the error. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon issued an unreserved apology to the Hooper family for the trauma caused by the false hope. Commissioner Lanyon noted that the incorrect report stemmed from the elation of searchers finding the hiker in difficult terrain, which led to a communication error at the command post. While formal identification is pending, authorities believe the body is that of the missing teenager. Preliminary reports suggested she may have suffered a fall on the first afternoon of her trek. A funeral service was held for Ms. Hooper on a Thursday. During the service, her parents described her as an authentic and courageous individual who enjoyed playing lead guitar, studying the violin, and training in Muay Thai. ## Claims - Approximately 100 Australian Defence Force members joined the search efforts. (disputed by 6 sources) - A total of 200 emergency services and defence personnel are participating in the search. (disputed by 2 sources) - Lily Hooper, aged 18, has been missing since last Wednesday. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Hooper's Hyundai vehicle was located parked near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail on the night she disappeared. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper was found in Nattai National Park on Thursday. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The family was mistakenly told the hiker was alive for approximately eight to ten minutes. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The Hooper family has requested that only professional search teams continue the operation due to the terrain. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Search crews are navigating dense tree canopies, steep drops, and rugged terrain in Nattai National Park. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Lily Hooper funeral held following Nattai National Park hiking tragedy A funeral service was held for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who died after going missing during a solo hike in Australia's Nattai National Park in August. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lily-hooper-funeral-held-following-nattai-national-park-hiking-tragedy ### 2026-08-21: Australia police apologize after error regarding death of 18-year-old hiker Australian police apologized after mistakenly informing the family of 18-year-old Lily Hooper that she was found alive during a search, only to later confirm she had died in Nattai National Park. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-police-apologize-after-error-regarding-death-of-18-year-old-hiker ### 2026-08-19: Lily Hooper found dead in Nattai National Park after eight-day search The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper has been found in Nattai National Park after an eight-day search. Authorities apologized after mistakenly informing her family she was alive for several minutes. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-defence-force-joins-search-for-missing-hiker-lily-hooper ### 2026-08-16: Nattai National Park search continues for missing teen hiker Search and rescue teams are scouring Nattai National Park for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who has been missing since Wednesday. Authorities remain hopeful despite difficult terrain and weather. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lily-hooper-search-continues-in-nattai-national-park ### 2026-08-14: Search continues for missing 18-year-old hiker in NSW national park Emergency crews are conducting a large-scale search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who went missing while hiking in Nattai National Park, NSW, after her vehicle was found near a trailhead. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/search-continues-for-missing-18-year-old-hiker-in-nsw-national-park --- Cite as: Body of missing hiker Lily Hooper found in Nattai National. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/search-for-missing-hiker-in-nattai-national-park