Australia honors memory of 18-year-old Lily Hooper, found dead
A memorial gathering was held in the town of Oakdale, New South Wales, in honor of 18-year-old Lily Hooper, whose body was found on Thursday — eight days after she disappeared during a hike in the state’s Southern Highlands.
According to The Guardian, community residents gathered on Friday evening at Willis Park. By Saturday morning, the park fence had been decorated with flowers, garlands and electric candles. The Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre and the district library were lit up in purple, while flags across the region, including at the Oakdale Rural Fire Service, were lowered.
Hooper practiced martial arts and worked as a guide for Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. Campbelltown Performing Arts School, from which she graduated in 2025, remembered her as a kind, witty and respectful young woman with an infectious smile, positive energy and a determination to live life to the fullest.
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Toodokan self-defense academy instructor Mark Szalayko called Lily a talented and strong martial artist. After news of her death, the academy canceled classes. Oaks Netball Club said its members would wear black armbands during weekend matches, while Burragorang District Soccer Club published a post describing her loss as a heavy one for the community.
Police initially mistakenly told Hooper’s family that she was alive. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the misunderstanding arose from the searchers’ joy, but later caused pain to her loved ones. Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar explained that search participants were using portable radios and had communication difficulties because of the dense terrain.
The experienced hiker was found dead off the trail, a significant distance from her car. Wollondilly Rotary Club launched a fundraiser to support the Hooper family.
