Lily Hooper’s mother brought many to tears with the heartfelt words she shared about her beloved daughter during the heartbreaking final farewell
A large crowd of young people driving with P-plates have arrived at a chapel in Sydney’s southwest bid farewell the “fearless” 18-year-old Lily Hooper, after her death on a solo hike in rugged NSW bushland gripped Australia.
The teen from Oakdale will be remembered not only for the heartbreaking circumstances of her death, but for the warmth, energy and fearless spirit that family and friends have described in the days since she was found.
Lily disappeared after setting out alone on a walk in Nattai National Park on August 12.
Her car was later found near the trailhead, sparking a major search involving police, the SES, volunteers and specialist crews working through dense and difficult terrain.
Eight days later, her body was located in bushland – ending a desperate search that had drawn widespread public attention and left her family clinging to hope.
Lily Hooper will be farewelled by her family, friends and loved ones at a funeral on Thursday. Picture: Supplied
Sad detail as mourners gather to farewell 18yo
Mourners gathered at the sprawling Macarthur Memorial Park in Varroville on Thursday to say goodbye to the beloved teen.
The park sits on more than 113 hectares of land in Sydney’s southwest, with Ms Hooper’s funeral being held at its centrepiece, the Sanctuary Chapel.
The chapel is described by park operators as a “place of peace and reflection” which “offers a warm and welcoming setting for memorial services and quiet moments of remembrance.”
Media were asked to refrain from taking photos as mourners entered the chapel, dressed in bright colours to pay tribute to the beloved teen.
The car park had nearly completely filled up by 10.30am, with many of the vehicles trickling in sporting red and green P plates.
A large number of mourners entering the building prior to the service were young adults and teenagers.
Before the service began, hundreds of mourners gathered for the coffin, adorned with an array of pink and white flowers, to be walked into the chapel.
The crowd was so large that mourners were forced to spill out of the front doors of the chapel.
Lily’s family said the teenager was an authentic and fearless woman. Picture: 7News
Speaking inside, her parents held their composure as they shared fond memories with their beloved daughter.
Mum Kirrily said the teenager was an authentic and fearless young woman.
“She really did pack a lot into 18 years,” she said.
“She was authentic and had a style all of her own.
“Lily expressed her opinions, had a hilarious sense of humour.
“One of Lily’s greatest qualities was that she was fearless.”
Through tears, her father Jim said the 18-year-old was always outside ready for the next adventure.
“(Lily) really loved the outdoors,” he said.
“She loved bush walking behind our property … she loved going to the beach, and especially when she got her (P plates), she drove to the beaches of Wollongong whenever she could.
“She loved fishing, hunting, camping and spending days in the boat.”
Best friend Stevie said Lily was the “most vibrant and courageous girl I’ve ever met”, who encouraged others to “chase dreams”.
“(She was) extremely passionate about the people she loved,” she said.
“She made me brave enough to chase dreams I never knew I had.”
Heartbroken locals shared tributes to the teen in a memorial at Lily’s hometown. Picture Thomas Lisson
Flowers and candles were placed at her hometown shortly after the teen’s body was found. Picture Thomas Lisson
She said the 18-year-old “wanted to experience as many things as she could … she did this with confidence, bravery and talent”.
“Exploring places, laughing together and crying together,” she told the crowd.
“Supporting each other through all the good and bad choices
“She was my favourite person and forever best friend.”
The teenager was “strong, steady and full of spirit”, her kickboxing coach Janine said.
“She would have been a formidable black belt … I called her Lethal Lily,” she said.
“Off the mat she was gentle, sweet and full of light.
“She made people feel safe, supported, inspired and seen.”
Among the tributes, her little brother Charlie shared a heartbreaking poem to Lily.
“Eighteen years – far too few,
“Yet Lily filled them through and through.
“With courage, strength and fearless heart,
“She lived each day and played her part.”
Charlie spoke of Lily’s love for playing guitar, Tim Tams and being outdoors, and said she was a wonderful role model for other young girls.
“So when we walk a mountain trail, hear guitar string upon the air,” he read.
“Step onto the mats, or share a Tim Tam too,
“There’s always be a little reminder of you.”
18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper disappeared on August 12 after setting out alone on a hike in rugged bushland. Picture: 7News
Devastating details reveal Lily’s final moments
In an update after her death, her mother Kirrily Hooper told The Daily Telegraph preliminary reports indicated Lily had suffered a fall on the first afternoon.
“She died the day she went missing and was found lying peacefully in dense bushland,” Ms Hooper said.
“In hindsight we now know she passed quickly and she didn’t suffer in the cold.”
Those closest to Lily have painted a picture of a young woman who lived boldly and left a lasting mark on the people around her.
Her mother described her as “a headstrong, independent, fearless girl”, qualities that made her who she was, but also, she believed, “left her vulnerable to misadventure”.
A major multi-agency search was launched after Lilly’s car was found near the trailhead. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Tributes have flowed from across the Wollondilly region and beyond.
Lily had worked as a Sydney BridgeClimb guide, where she was remembered as “an absolute delight” who “lit up every space with her smile and enthusiasm”.
Last month, a community memorial in Oakdale drew hundreds of people, with candles, flowers and purple lights honouring a teenager many described as bright, kind and full of promise.
Lily’s death has also sparked fresh discussion about bush safety, with her parents hoping her legacy will encourage young hikers to think carefully before heading into remote areas alone.
Her father, Jim Hooper, has also spoken of turning that grief into something lasting, floating the idea of “Lily’s Law” to build awareness around safety devices and preparation in the bush.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU
https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/loved-ones-to-gather-to-farewell-teen-hiker-lily-hooper-after-tragic-nattai-national-park-death/news-story/7408c09f2d1e7bad17a19dc3e4d497a3
