Lambir Hills hiker found safe after search

The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who disappeared during a hike near Sydney, was recovered after an extensive search, though authorities initially announced she had been found alive in a miscommunication that prompted apologies from NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. The misreport created additional distress for Hooper’s family and is being investigated as a potential police-code error that led to the erroneous briefing. Hooper’s body was airlifted from dense bushland in the Nattai National Park, and post-mortem examinations are planned to confirm identity and cause of death, with the rugged terrain hampering recovery efforts. The eight-day search involved police, emergency services, and nearly 100 Australian Defence Force personnel, reflecting the scale of the operation. Officials have acknowledged the mistake and are reviewing communication protocols to prevent similar miscommunications in future search operations.