NSW premier says he is ‘praying for good news’ as search intensifies for missing teen hiker
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says he is “praying for good news” as police search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who vanished while hiking alone
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says he is “praying for good news” as police search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who vanished while hiking alone in Nattai National Park, south-west of Sydney. The search entered its third day on Friday, with police still holding out hope for the experienced bushwalker.
Hooper left her home in Oakdale on Wednesday and told her family she was heading into the Southern Highlands for a hike through the park. When she did not return that night and could not be reached, family members alerted police. The concern grew fast. Then the ground search began.
Search crews spread across rugged bushland
Specialist police rescue coordinators are now leading the operation, with air assets, trail-bike riders and ground crews working across the rough terrain. The park’s steep bushland and remote tracks are slowing the effort. Every hour counts.
Minns thanked those involved in the search and said the family was in an agonising position.
“Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” he said. “We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious.”
Family raised the alarm after no return
Hume Police District crime manager Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles said Hooper’s family contacted police after she failed to come home on Wednesday evening. Bowles said she had her mobile phone with her and had messaged some relatives during the hike, though the source material does not say when that communication stopped.
Police said they remain hopeful of finding Hooper, describing her as an experienced bushwalker. The search is continuing across one of the state’s more rugged national park areas, with crews still fanning out over bush, trails and difficult ground.
For now, the operation continues. And the hope does too.
“Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” Minns said. “We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious.”
