The body of 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper was found in Nattai National Park, New South Wales, after she had been missing for eight days. Her family was initially told by police that she had been found alive, leading to celebrations.
However, this information was later corrected by NSW Premier Chris Minns, who announced that Ms Hooper's body had been located. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that the miscommunication was "born out of elation."
Ms Hooper, described as an experienced hiker, was found dead off the trail, a "significant distance" from her car. Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar noted that searchers faced communication challenges in the "thick, dense terrain."
Around 1,000 searchers and volunteers, including Australian Defence Force personnel, were involved in the operation. A report will be prepared for the coroner to investigate the time, place, and circumstances of Ms Hooper's death, as well as the communication problems.