Lily Hooper's Death Confirmed After Communication Blunder
Premier Minns apologises for compounding family's anguish following initial false report of survival.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Lily Hooper, 18, was found dead eight days after going missing from Sydney.
The discovery followed intense confusion, marked by a communication breakdown that initially gave Lily Hooper's family false hope.
Premier Minns broadcast nationally, stating, We’ve got some fantastic news, Mr chair. Lily Hooper has been found alive, a statement he later withdrew before 1 pm.
He confirmed her death, stating, I’ve got some terrible news, and I apologise to the committee but it seems as if the early advice was wrong, and Lily’s body has been found … she’s been found deceased.
Premier Minns issued a formal apology, accepting responsibility for compounding the family's anguish. He stated, I’m absolutely devastated and profoundly sorry that anything I said may have added to the grief that family has gone through.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon also apologized to the family after officers mistakenly informed them Lily had been found alive.
Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar confirmed an 'eight to 10 minute' window during which Lily's parents believed their daughter was alive.
This initial report reportedly stemmed from a coded phrase, 'half a bottle of water', which was misunderstood and relayed up the chain of command.
NSW State Emergency Services commissioner Mike Wassing stated that codes are often assigned during major searches to avoid sensitive details being shared over radio broadcasts.
An SES worker reportedly told police Lily was alive in Nattai National Park, though this claim was not verified.
Search crews reportedly found a body in the national park shortly after 11 am on Thursday.
An eight-day search involving approximately 100 Australian Defence Force personnel located a woman's body believed to be Ms Hooper in dense bushland.
Her vehicle was found abandoned at the start of the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail, and recovery efforts were hampered by rough terrain.
Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar stated that communication can be a challenge due to harsh terrain and the use of handheld devices across hundreds of volunteers.