SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, NSW — The search for missing 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper has ended in tragedy after her body was discovered in bushland in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, eight days after she disappeared.

Hooper was last seen leaving her home in Oakdale, south-west of Sydney, at approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as she headed out for a hike in the surrounding national park. She remained in contact with her family during the day, but concern grew after she did not return home by the expected time.

Police later located her Hyundai near the base of the difficult Bonnum Pic trail, prompting an extensive search operation across the rugged bushland area.

The search involved a large-scale response from emergency services and support agencies, including nearly 100 Australian Defence Force personnel, police officers, firefighters, national park rangers, paramedics, and State Emergency Service volunteers. Search teams used helicopters, drones, motorcycles, horses, and foot patrols to cover the challenging terrain.

The operation took an emotional turn when Hooper’s family was initially informed that she had been found alive. That information was later corrected, with authorities confirming that a woman’s body had been located and that it was Hooper.

NSW Premier Chris Minns also addressed the situation, expressing deep sadness after receiving confirmation that the earlier information was incorrect.

“This is obviously devastating, and I’m just profoundly sad for a family and for all those concerned,” Minns said.

Police have confirmed Hooper’s death, but the circumstances surrounding how she died remain under investigation.

Reports circulating that Hooper died from poisoning after being bitten by a venomous reptile have not been officially confirmed by authorities. Investigators have not publicly released a cause of death, and further examination will be required before any conclusion can be reached.

Hooper’s family had earlier expressed gratitude to the search teams and members of the public who offered assistance during the effort to find her. They also urged that trained personnel continue leading the search because of the difficult conditions in the area.

Her father, Jim Hooper, previously made an emotional appeal for help during the search, asking the community to support the effort to bring his daughter home.

As authorities continue investigating, Lily Hooper’s death has left her family, friends, and the wider Southern Highlands community grieving the loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.

Further information about the circumstances surrounding her death is expected to be released as investigations continue.