# From ‘elation’ to ‘terrible news’: how the Lily Hooper mix-up unfolded

https://mins.news/en/item/27156

- The Guardian, 2026-08-20 09:51 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/20/from-elation-to-terrible-news-in-10-minutes-how-the-confusion-over-missing-bushwalker-lily-hooper-unfolded

> The body of 18-year-old bushwalker Lily Hooper was found in New South Wales’ Nattai national park after an eight-day search. Police said dense terrain and broken radio communications led volunteers to incorrectly report that she was alive, prompting premature messages to her family, the premier and media before the error was corrected minutes later. Police apologised for the added trauma and confusion.

## Related coverage

- [Australian officials apologize for mistaken update on missing hiker](https://mins.news/en/video/28262) — Reuters, 2026-08-21
- [Missing teen hiker found dead in Australian bush after eight-day search](https://mins.news/en/item/26892) — BBC News, 2026-08-20
