Eight Days Missing in the Wilderness: Lily Hooper’s Family Clings to Hope as Search Teams Race Against Time
The desperate search for a missing teenager continues in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
Lily Hooper, 18, was last seen setting off from home on Burragorang Rd in Oakdale about 8am last Wednesday to go hiking in Nattai National Park.
The experienced bushwalker’s car was found about 11pm that night, near the start of the Bonnum Pic walking trail on Wanganderry Rd.
Family and loved ones have held hope for the young woman, who was described by her father as a “tough girl”.
Hundreds of emergency personnel and volunteers have battled rugged, dense terrain as well as cold, wet and foggy conditions during the search.
The continuing search enters its eighth day on Wednesday.
Hooper’s family released the below statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“Our family is 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.
“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 appreciate people who have made offers for the search but due to the terrain and conditions we ask just professional search teams continue.
“We also ask for privacy and understanding as our family navigates this unimaginable situation.”
Eighteen-year-old experienced bushwalker Lily Hooper has been missing in Natai National Park south of Sydney for eight days.
(Source: 7NEWS)
Eighteen-year-old experienced bushwalker Lily Hooper has been missing in Natai National Park south of Sydney for eight days.
