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New South Wales officials apologize for miscommunicating the status of missing hiker Lily Hooper

New South Wales officials have issued a formal apology after the body of 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper was recovered from the Nattai National Park, following a brief period where she was mistakenly reported as alive. Lily Hooper was reported missing on August 12 after failing to return from a solo hike in the rugged terrain of the Southern Highlands. After an eight-day search involving approximately 1,000 people, the body of Lily Hooper was located on Thursday. State Premier Chris Minns initially announced her survival during a live broadcast, causing her family to celebrate at the search site. However, the administration corrected the statement within 30 minutes, confirming she was deceased. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon apologized for the error, noting the miscommunication was born out of elation. Police are now investigating the cause of death and the communication breakdown. Tributes have poured in from the local community, who remembered Lily Hooper as a talented athlete and a dedicated Sydney BridgeClimb guide.

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