'Beautiful spirit': Tributes flow for teen hiker found dead in NSW
The community of Oakdale, New South Wales, is mourning the death of 18-year-old hiker Lily Hooper, who was found deceased after an eight-day search in Nattai National Park. Local residents and officials have organized memorials and support services to honor her memory.
Why it matters
This tragic event highlights the risks of solo hiking and the strong community response to local tragedies.
<p>A rocked community is laying purple candles for a teen hiker found dead, as locals pay tribute to the "tough" and "talented" young girl.</p> <p>Authorities recovered <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/20/sydney-teen-hiker-lily-hooper-found-dead-after-family-told-she-was-alive/" target="_blank">18-year-old Lily Hooper's body</a> from NSW's Nattai National Park on Thursday after eight days of searching.</p> <p>The bereaved Oakdale community in southwest Sydney is observing a weekend-long memorial for the girl, with buildings lit up purple in her honour.</p> <p>Tributes left to the teen online described her as tough with a beautiful spirit.</p> <p>Her former high school wished her "beautiful spirit live on in the hearts" of those who loved her, while a family friend wrote those who knew her were blessed to share a connection with her "precious heart".</p> <p>Hooper's martial arts gym described her as talented and tough.</p> <p>"Despite that toughness, Lily was such a lovely person.
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