Family calls for Lily’s Law after bushwalking tragedy
The family and loved ones of Lily Hooper are gearing up to farewell the “fearless” teenager who died on a solo bush hike.
The 18-year-old’s funeral will be held on Thursday, celebrating the life of the teenager who tragically died last month.
Ms Hooper went missing in Nattai National Park on August 12 when she set out on a 12 kilometre return day hike.
She was last heard from when she reached the summit of Bunnum Pic around mid-morning.
That evening, the experienced bushwalker did not return and could no longer be reached, prompting a multi-agency search for the teenager.
Ms Hooper’s car was found at the Bonnum Pic trailhead on Wanganderry Road around 11pm.
Specialist teams, emergency services, the SES, the ADF, and volunteer crews were involved in the search which gripped the nation.
An exhaustive search ended in tragedy when her body was located in Nattai National Park eight days after she went missing.
The cause and time of her death was not immediately known.
Her mother, Kirrily Hooper, later told The Daily Telegraph preliminary reports indicated her daughter had suffered a fall on the first afternoon.
“She died the day she went missing and was found lying peacefully in dense bushland,” she said.
“In hindsight we now know she passed quickly and she didn’t suffer in the cold.
“That was the hardest part, not knowing if she was out there scared in the elements when we would come home at night and try to sleep.”
Those closest to Lily have painted a picture of a young woman who lived boldly and left a lasting mark on the people around her.
The teenager played lead guitar in a rock band at school, and trained in Muay Thai and martial arts.
Her mother described her as “a headstrong, independent, fearless girl”, qualities that made her who she was, but also, she believed, “left her vulnerable to misadventure”.
Tributes have flowed from across the Wollondilly region and beyond.
Lily had worked part-time as a Sydney BridgeClimb guide, where she was remembered as “an absolute delight” who “lit up every space with her smile and enthusiasm”.
Last month, a community memorial in Oakdale drew hundreds of people, with candles, flowers and purple lights honouring a teenager many described as bright, kind and full of promise.
Lily’s death has also sparked fresh discussion about bush safety, with her parents hoping her legacy will encourage young hikers to think carefully before heading into remote areas alone.
Her father, Jim Hooper, has also spoken of turning that grief into something lasting, floating the idea of “Lily’s Law” to build awareness around safety devices and preparation in the bush.
– With NCA
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