The body of a woman was discovered after an extensive eight-day search for Australian teenager Lily Hooper, reported missing on August 12. The discovery happened in the Southern Highlands during efforts to locate a missing bushwalker.
While formal identification is pending, New South Wales Police officers suspect the remains belong to the 18-year-old. In an unusual twist, the announcement followed a statement from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who inaccurately told state parliament that Hooper had been found alive, only to later retract this claim.
Local media reports indicate her family was initially informed that Hooper was alive. Mal Lanyon, the New South Wales police commissioner, addressed the situation, apologizing “unreservedly” for the error. He expressed regret for the additional trauma potentially inflicted on Lily’s family, as well as the confusion and embarrassment stemming from the mix-up.
An investigation into the inter-agency miscommunication is set to begin. Hooper disappeared after leaving her Sydney home for a hiking trip in a nearby national park on August 12. She was reported missing that evening when she did not return as expected.
Earlier this week, the Hooper family released a statement expressing their devastation over Lily’s disappearance. They requested privacy and understanding as they maneuver through this challenging time.
This story is still developing. More details will be provided as information becomes available.