We Just Want Lily Home: Missing Teen’s Family Speaks Out As Desperate Search Takes Heartbreaking Turn
The family of missing 18-year-old Lily Hooper say they are “devastated” as the search for their beloved daughter continues in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Lily vanished last Wednesday after leaving her Oakdale home to go hiking in Nattai National Park.
Lily Hooper, 18, was last seen leaving a home on Burragorang Road at Oakdale in Sydney’s south-west. NSW Police
Her family released a heartbreaking statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“Our family is absolutely devastated that our beloved daughter Lily is missing,” they said.
“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.
“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.”
The statement follows an emotional radio call from Lily’s father, Jim Hooper, who joined search crews on the ground earlier this week.
“I’m very upset … I just want everyone to throw love and energy, because we’ve got to go and find her,” he told 2SM Radio, describing his daughter as a tough, experienced bushwalker.
“It’s like she’s just vanished off the planet. I just can’t make it out.”
Emergency services, including Police Rescue, the SES, Australian Defence Force personnel, and thermal-imaging drones, have spent days scouring the park’s steep cliffs, deep gorges, and unmapped creeks.
Searchers have faced freezing overnight conditions, heavy fog, and harsh winds.
Authorities confirmed the operation remains an active search and rescue mission.
Ground operations have been suspended for the night and will resume on Wednesday.
