In brief
- Lily Hooper, 18, went out for a hike in the NSW Southern Highlands more than a week ago.
- She left her home in Sydney's south-west on the morning of 12 August. Police said a body was found today.
An eight-day search for a missing teenager has ended after her family was initially wrongly told their daughter was still alive.
Police said they mistakenly gave Lily Hooper's family the news after the 18-year-old's body was found in dense bushland in Nattai National Park, in NSW's Southern Highlands.
An SES volunteer found Hooper's body about 11.30am on Thursday, but a communication breakdown led to incorrect reporting to her family, NSW Police assistant commissioner Joseph Cassar said.
"[The family] were informed [of] initial information the searchers believed she was alive, and that's what was communicated," Cassar told reporters.
"Within eight-to-10 minutes we were able to give them an update, which was a more accurate account."
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Hooper disappeared on 12 August after going on a hike.
The teenager from Oakdale, in Sydney's south-west, did not return that evening and could not be contacted on her mobile phone, triggering a wide-scale search.
Her car was discovered at the Bonnum Pic trailhead the same night she went missing, but Cassar said the teenager was found a long way from her vehicle.
NSW premier shares 'terrible news' from parliament
In state parliament, NSW Premier Chris Minns was informed during budget estimates that Hooper had been found, and initially announced that she had been found alive, the ABC reported.
He later apologised, saying he had "terrible news".
"I apologise to the committee, but it seems as if the early advice was wrong," he said.
"This is obviously devastating, and I'm just profoundly sad for her family and all those concerned."
He said in a follow-up statement afterwards that he had received incorrect advice and had "genuinely believed I was sharing good news".
"My deepest condolences are with Lily's family. I am profoundly sorry to think that anything I said may have added to their heartbreak at an already devastating time," the premier said in the statement reported by several media outlets.
Hooper's family has not yet commented publicly.
On Tuesday, Hooper's family had issued a statement via NSW Police saying they were "absolutely devastated that our beloved daughter Lily is missing".
"We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers for their support and continued commitment to the search, not only during the day but throughout the night," the statement said.
"We desperately want to bring Lily home safe, and we ask as the search continues, to keep our family and Lily in your thoughts.
"We also ask for privacy and understanding as our family navigates this unimaginable situation."
Taylor and Albanese react
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor have paid tribute to Hooper.
Speaking from parliament, Albanese said Hooper had been "taken from her family, the community and our nation far too young".
"The tragedy of a parent losing a young one ... is an unspeakable tragedy.
"Lily had so much more to offer the world."
Members of parliament stood for a moment of silence after Albanese spoke.
Liberal leader Taylor said the initial confusion over Hooper's condition had made matters worse.
The body was found in Taylor's electorate.
"Lily loved bushwalking, and that only compounds the tragedy of her death," he said.
"I want to thank all of those who helped search for and locate Lily.
"Any parent who reads this news will hug their children tighter tonight. When they do, they will spare a thought and a prayer for Lily's father, mother and family who can't do the same. We grieve for their most terrible loss."
Albanese said he joined with Taylor, who he said "shared heartfelt words about the loss of someone from his local community".
"Her passing, I have no doubt, will be felt very deeply across the Southern Highlands, among her family, her friends, and indeed right across the nation. Our thoughts are, of course, with her family and loved ones on what is an incredibly sad and difficult day."
— With reporting from Australian Associated Press.
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