She Was Texting Her Family Just Before She Vanished: Fears Grow for Missing 18-Year-Old Hiker Lily Hooper
An experienced teenage bushwalker was messaging her family from a hike before she suddenly vanished in rugged bushland the NSW Southern Highlands area.
Lily Hooper, 18, left her home on Burragorang Rd in Oakdale about 8am on Wednesday to go hiking in Nattai National Park. NSW Police Detective Inspector Ben Bowles said the experienced bushwalker had been texting her family about the hike but was now “well overdue from her anticipated completion time”.
Her vehicle was later found at the beginning of the Bonnum Pic walking trail along Wanganderry Rd. A major multi-agency search was launched that evening and continued on Friday.
Bowles said police remained “very hopeful” Lily would be found.
He said there was no information to suggest foul play was involved but authorities did not know what supplies Lily had with her.
A number of agencies are involved in the search, including NSW Police Rescue, PolAir, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the SES, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service.
Crews are facing “fairly rugged” terrain and “quite extensive and rough bushland”, Bowles said.
Lily’s aunt, Sheridan Munro, said the family was “desperately trying to find her”.
According to the teenager’s social media, she returned last week from Thailand where she had been taking Muay Thai lessons.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “praying for good news” as the search continued.
“Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” he said.
“We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious.
“I’m praying for good news.”
Bowles said Lily’s disappearance was also a timely reminder for people heading into the bush to tell others about their plans and carry appropriate safety equipment.
“It’s a timely reminder to ensure that you lodge your trip intentions, notify family, loved ones of your intentions and make sure that you have the correct supplies, clothing, food and water, communication devices,” he said.
“We always encourage people to ensure that they’ve got an EPIRB or satellite phone with them.”
Lily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of slim build, and long blonde hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts.
Anyone with information on Lily’s whereabouts, or walked the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail yesterday, is urged to contact Moss Vale Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
