SEARCH FOR LILY HOOPER TAKES A MAJOR TURN AS ADF JOINS THE HUNT—18-YEAR-OLD VANISHED AFTER SETTING OUT FOR A HIKE, WITH HER CAR FOUND AS RESCUERS CONFRONT RUGGED WILDERNESS
Emergency services are navigating “extensive and rough” terrain as they search for a missing bushwalker in a NSW national park.
Lily Hooper, 18, was last seen leaving a home on Burragorang Road at Oakdale in Sydney’s south-west at 8am on Wednesday.
Lily Hooper, 18, was last seen leaving a home on Burragorang Road at Oakdale in Sydney’s south-west. NSW Police
It is understood the teenager, an experienced bushwalker, told people she was going for a hike in the Nattai National Park.
She had a mobile phone with her but authorities have been unable to contact her since and hold serious concerns for her welfare.
“She actually messaged some family members during her hike,” Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles said.
Hume Police District crime manager Detective Inspector Ben Bowles. 9News
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Police have since found her car near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail on Wanganderry Road via Wombeyan Caves Road in High Range.
A multi-agency search is under way in the area, with the assistance of the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Police Rescue and NSW Ambulance.
Members of the Australian Defence Force have also joined the search.
“The Nattai National Park is a fairly rugged terrain, it’s quite extensive and rough bushland,” Bowles said.
“The hiking trail is well-known, but it’s more for the experienced bushwalker.”
Bowles said there was no information to suggest any foul play.
“She is an experienced bushwalker, however she’s well overdue from her anticipated completion time,” he said.
A multi-agency search is under way for Lily Hooper. 9News
“We’re unaware of what exact supplies that Lily had at the time, but she is an experienced hiker and we’re still very hopeful that she’ll be found well.”
Bowles encouraged other bushwalkers to tell family members about their plans.
Hikers should also carry the correct supplies, clothing, food, water and communication devices.
“We always encourage people to make sure they’ve got an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or satellite phone with them,” Bowles said.
Anyone with information or who walked the Bonnum Pic walking trail is asked to contact Moss Vale Police Station 02 4869 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The 18-year-old was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts.
She is described as of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of slim build with long blonde hair and blue eyes.
SOURCE: https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/nsw/australian-defence-force-joins-search-for-missing-teen-bushwalker-after-car-found-20260814-p60oe1.html
