Missing bushwalker Lily Hooper found dead

The body of 18-year-old Lily Hooper was discovered in a rugged national park southwest of Sydney, ending an eight-day search that had been marred by a tragic miscommunication.

Her family was briefly told she had been found alive, only to receive the devastating news 18 minutes later.

Police have launched an investigation into the error, which has drawn widespread criticism.

The case has highlighted the emotional toll on families during missing person searches.