Lily Hooper was last seen on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 12
Credit: NSW Police Force Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- 18-year-old Lily Hooper has been missing since Wednesday, Aug. 12, after she said she was going on a solo hike in a national park in southeastern Australia
- Three days later, the multi-agency search continues
- “Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” said Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales
An 18-year-old hiker is missing in southeastern Australia, three days after she ventured into the mountains alone.
“Our heart goes out to that young walker’s family,” said Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, of the search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who was last seen on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 12, according to nine.com.au. “We know this must be heartbreaking and incredibly anxious. I’m praying for good news.”
Hooper was last seen leaving a home in Oakdale, New South Wales, on Wednesday at around 8 a.m. local time, the NSW Police Force said in a statement. She is believed to have gone for a hike in Nattai National Park, around 80 miles southwest of Sydney.
Credit: NSW Police Force Facebook
Hooper is an experienced hiker and messaged family members with her mobile phone during her hike, nine.com.au reported.
When she didn’t return home on Wednesday evening and loved ones were unable to reach her, authorities were alerted to her disappearance and an extensive search effort involving several agencies began, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.
“Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare,” officials said.
The teen’s vehicle has since been located near a walking trail on Wanganderry Road in the west of the Nattai National Park — which is known for having “fairly rugged terrain,” said Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles, according to nine.com.au. He added that no foul play is currently suspected in her disappearance.
“We’re unaware of what exact supplies that Lily had at the time,” said Bowles, per the outlet, “but she is an experienced hiker and we’re still very hopeful that she’ll be found well.”
Credit: Alamy
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A spokesperson for the NSW Police Force confirmed to PEOPLE that Hooper has yet to be located, and the search for her is ongoing as of Friday, Aug. 14.
The 18-year-old is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a slim build and blonde hair and blue eyes, officials said.
Anyone with information about Hooper’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Moss Vale Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
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