The family of 18-year-old bushwalker Lily Hooper was wrongly told she had been found alive, minutes before police confirmed she had died. Her body was found in Nattai National Park, south-west of Sydney, on Thursday 20 August 2026, after an eight-day search. NSW Police and the SES are now investigating how the mistake happened.
Key Facts
- Who: Lily Hooper, 18, from south-west Sydney.
- Where: Nattai National Park, NSW Southern Highlands.
- Missing since: Wednesday 12 August 2026; her car was found near the Bonnum Pic walking trail.
- Search: Nearly 1,000 people took part, police said.
- The mistake: For about 10 to 20 minutes, her family believed she was alive. Premier Chris Minns also told a parliamentary hearing she had been found alive, then corrected himself.
How the Mistake Happened
At about 11.30am, an SES volunteer found Lily’s body and radioed the command post. Reports say searchers use a radio code about water bottles – full, half or empty – so families listening in do not hear bad news by accident. A “half bottle” is believed to mean a person’s condition is unclear.
The message was misread and passed up the chain. Police told her parents, Jim and Kirrily Hooper, that she was alive. The news then went through the Police Minister, Yasmin Catley, to the Premier.
The Premier’s Correction
During a budget estimates hearing, Mr Minns was handed a note and said: “We’ve got some fantastic news.” About 26 minutes later he returned with a correction: “I’ve got some terrible news, and I apologise to the committee, but it seems as if the early advice was wrong, and Lily’s body’s been found.”
Apologies and Investigations
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon apologised “unreservedly” to the family. He said the error “was born out of elation that Lily had been found”. SES Commissioner Mike Wassing said the service would take part in a review of how agencies talk to each other. Information will also go to the coroner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Lily Hooper found?
In dense bushland in Nattai National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Why was her family told she was alive?
Early reports point to a misunderstood radio code used by searchers. Investigations are still under way.
Conclusion
The Hooper family has asked for privacy as they grieve. The review aims to make sure no other family goes through the same pain.
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