The family of missing 18-year-old bushwalker Lily Hooper has released a statement as an extensive search for the teenager continues in the rugged terrain of Nattai National Park in New South Wales.
Hooper has not been seen since Wednesday, August 12, when she left her home in Oakdale, south-west of Sydney, to go hiking in the Southern Highlands national park.
Her family said they were “absolutely devastated” that Lily was missing and desperately wanted to bring her home safely.
“Our family is absolutely devastated that our beloved daughter Lily is missing,” the family said in a statement released through NSW Police on Tuesday.
“We desperately want to bring Lily home safe and we ask as the search continues, to keep our family and Lily in your thoughts.”
The family also thanked emergency services and volunteers involved in the search, including those working through the night.
“We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers for their support and continued commitment to the search, not only during the day but throughout the night,” the statement said.
The family urged people who have offered to help with the search not to enter the area themselves because of the difficult terrain and conditions.
“We appreciate people who have made offers for the search but, due to the terrain and conditions, we ask just professional search teams continue,” they said.
They also asked for privacy as they deal with the disappearance.
“We also ask for privacy and understanding as our family navigates this unimaginable situation,” the statement said.
Search continues across difficult terrain
The search entered its seventh day on Tuesday, with NSW Police coordinating a multi-agency operation involving specialist police crews, the State Emergency Service and other emergency personnel.
Search teams have been working through dense bushland, ravines, creek lines and steep terrain in Nattai National Park, about 90 kilometres south-west of Sydney.
Police said no trace of Hooper or her belongings had been located as of Tuesday.
Authorities have been concentrating efforts around the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail. Police believe Hooper reached the summit of Bonnum Pic on the morning of August 12 after sending messages to family members during her hike.
Her car was later found near the trailhead on Wanganderry Road at High Range at about 11pm that night.
Hooper was reported missing after she failed to return home and could not be contacted.
Police have previously said she is an experienced bushwalker. She is believed to have been carrying a mobile phone, and investigators have been examining telecommunications information as part of efforts to establish her movements.
The dense tree canopy and difficult terrain have complicated aerial searches, while ground crews continue to work through the area.
Police have urged anyone who may have information relevant to the search to contact authorities rather than entering the search area independently.
The search for Lily Hooper remains ongoing.
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