Sorrow as community pays tribute to ‘shining light’ Lily Hooper after NSW hiking tragedy
The community of Oakdale, New South Wales, is mourning the death of 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who went missing while hiking. Tributes have poured in for the athlete and community member, with local landmarks illuminated in her honor.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the risks associated with outdoor activities and the impact of such losses on tight-knit regional communities.
Lily Hooper’s home town of Oakdale has gathered for a vigil at Willis park, which is now adorned with flowers, fairy lights and electric candles. Photograph: NSW police Lily Hooper’s home town of Oakdale has gathered for a vigil at Willis park, which is now adorned with flowers, fairy lights and electric candles. Photograph: NSW police New South Wales Sorrow as community pays tribute to ‘shining light’ Lily Hooper after NSW hiking tragedy The 18-year-old remembered as a talented athlete with an infectious smile and ‘one of those people who everyone simply liked’
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Tributes have flowed for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, remembered as an adventurous, multitalented athlete with an infectious smile, after her body was found on Thursday afternoon, eight days after she disappeared while hiking in the New South Wales southern highlands.
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