The family of missing 18-year-old bushwalker Lily Hooper say they are “absolutely devastated” that she has not been found after a multi-agency search. On Tuesday, search efforts for the teenager continued through the dense tree canopy and rugged terrain of Nattai national park, about 90km south-west of Sydney, for a seventh day. Initial police inquiries indicate she reached the summit of Bonnum Pic mountain mid-morning on Wednesday, having sent messages from the trail earlier that day.
She was reported missing when she did not return home that evening. Her car was located by emergency services near the trail head on Wanganderry Road at High Range at 11pm on Wednesday. As of Tuesday afternoon, police said no trace of Hooper or her belongings had been found.
On Monday, police said the search would focus on the lower sections of the Bonnum Pic walking trail. NSW police chief inspector Brendan Bernie confirmed on Monday that thermal and aerial sweeps by PolAir late on Sunday evening were unsuccessful. They also thanked those who offered to help search, but said due to “terrain and conditions we ask just professional search teams continue”.
The search team now includes PolAir, NSW Police Rescue, the SES, RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, and National Parks and Wildlife Service. Volunteers on the ground include Hooper’s friends, family and Volunteer Rescue Association crews mobilised from as far north as Cessnock. The family asked for privacy and understanding as they navigated the “unimaginable situation”.
Hooper is described as Caucasian, approximately 175cm tall, of slim build, with long blond hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts. Anyone with information or who walked the Bonnum Pic trail on Wednesday is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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