Six days without Lily — a chilling new detail emerges as the desperate search continues
The search for Lily Hooper who went missing in the NSW Southern Highland wilderness has entered its fourth day as Premier Chris Minns says he is “praying for good news”.
Emergency crews are fearing the worst after 18-year-old Lily Hooper went for a hike from her home in Oakdale on Wednesday and never came back home.
Her car has found near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail in the Nattai National Park.
The missing teen was last seen wearing shorts and shorts, with experts fearing how she will handle cold overnight temperatures. Picture: Supplied
Experienced bushwalker Malcolm Hughes, who has conducted more than 60 searches for missing bushwalkers, said the area had the potential to be very dangerous.
“Once you get about half or three quarters of the way out there it becomes very dangerous,” he said.
“There is one place where you come to a narrow bit with a rock race sloping down with a 60m drop, on the other side is a drop 1.5m onto a narrow ledge and a very big drop beyond that.”
Ms Hooper’s family joined a search with Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW and the State Emergency Service using drones and helicopters to help locate the missing woman.
Her aunty Sheridan Munro told 7News they were “desperately trying to find her.”
Detective Inspector Benjamin Carey said Ms Hooper was an experienced bushwalker.
“She does regularly engage in bushwalks, some quite challenging and it is one of her favourite recreational pastimes,” he said.
“We are very hopeful that Lily is still alive and we are focusing our efforts on searching for her today and hopefully delivering that outcome.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns says he is “praying for good news”. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that he is “praying for good news”.
“Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family. We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious,” he said.
The Premier explained that he was hopeful sunny and clear weather would help emergency crews in their search efforts.
“The weather’s not bad at the moment, so hopefully rescuers are safe and we can get that good outcome,” he said.
“We’re all thinking about both the people involved and the families. That must be heartbreaking at the moment.”
Ms Hooper was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts before her hike, but concerns have been aired her managing the low, three degree overnight temperatures in fitness gear.
“It’s not good for someone out there who has not got protective clothing,” experienced bushwalker Malcolm Hughes said.
“It’s a rough area as far as getting lost or getting into trouble.”
Bujutsu Martial Arts and Fitness Centre in Smeaton Grange, where Ms Hooper trains, shared on Facebook that she was at a class the night before she disappeared.
The owners of the facility said “If anyone can survive a hiking accident, it’s Lily. She is one tough girl.”
