Lily Hooper Was Found Alive and Well… But Reports From the Scene Suggest a Very Different Situation
Police have reported teenage hiker Lily Hooper, who disappeared eight days ago, has been found, with rescuers working to determine her condition.
Police initially said the 18-year-old had been located alive and well, however conflicting reports from the scene suggest this might not be the case.
The experienced bushwalker was located about 11am on Thursday and will be winched out by a helicopter shortly, NSW Police confirmed.
Hooper left her home on Burragorang Rd in Oakdale about 8am last Wednesday to go hiking in Nattai National Park, in the NSW Southern Highlands, but had not been seen since.
Her car was found about 11pm that night at the beginning of the Bonnum Pic walking trail on Wanganderry Rd.
Her disappearance sparked a major search and rescue operation involving police, emergency services and the Australian Army.
Her family had remained hopeful since her disappearance, describing her as a “tough girl”.
Bujutsu Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, where Hooper has trained in Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts for the past two years, echoed her father’s optimism during the search.
“If anyone can survive a hiking accident, it’s Lily. She is one tough girl,” the centre said.
SOURCE: 7 NEWS
https://7news.com.au/news/missing-teenage-hiker-lily-hooper-found-alive-after-eight-day-search-in-nsw-southern-highlands-c-22751296
