Body found in search for teen bushwalker Lily Hooper south of Sydney

The eight-day search for missing teenager Lily Hooper has come to a heartbreaking conclusion, with emergency crews locating her body in a national park south of Sydney — just after her family had been given false hope that she may have been found alive.

Lily had been reported missing after failing to return from a bushwalk in the national park region, triggering a major multi-agency search and rescue operation that stretched over more than a week.

In a painful turn of events, her family momentarily believed the worst was behind them when word reached them that a person matching Lily's description had been located. That information proved to be a mix-up, and the relief the family had felt lasted only briefly before the devastating truth emerged.

Emergency crews confirmed the discovery of a body, later identified as Lily's, ending the search that had involved dozens of personnel combing difficult bushland terrain over successive days.

New South Wales Police issued an apology to the Hooper family over the miscommunication, acknowledging the profound distress that the incorrect information had caused at an already unimaginably difficult time.

The circumstances surrounding Lily's death remain under investigation, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Authorities have not yet indicated whether they believe she became disoriented on the trail, suffered a medical episode, or encountered another hazard in the challenging bush environment.

The search operation drew widespread public support, with many in the local community following developments closely after Lily's disappearance was reported. Her case highlighted the serious risks that can accompany bushwalking in remote national park areas, even for those familiar with the outdoors.

Lily's family has been offered support services and has asked for privacy as they grieve. A formal statement from police indicated investigators would be sensitive to the family's wishes throughout the ongoing coronial process.

Authorities regularly remind bushwalkers to register their intentions with someone before heading into remote areas, carry sufficient water and food, and ensure they have a charged device capable of contacting emergency services if conditions deteriorate.