00:02The eighth day of the search for Lily Hooper started with hope.
00:06Is this accurate? Yes.
00:08And what appeared to be good news.
00:10We've got some fantastic news Mr Chair.
00:12Lily Hooper's been found alive.
00:14But the Premier's announcement turned out to be mistaken.
00:17I've got some terrible news and I apologise to the committee
00:21but it seems as if the early advice was wrong.
00:24Can we stop the clock please?
00:24And Lily's body's been found and she's been found deceased.
00:29Lily's parents were among those told she was alive.
00:33Tragically that miscommunication then led to a deflation
00:36and obviously we know now an impact on her family.
00:40Once again I unreservedly apologise for that miscommunication.
00:44It was something that was inadvertent but as I said
00:47was born out of looking to find Lily and bring her back to her family.
00:51Hundreds of emergency crews and volunteers had been searching
00:54for the experienced hiker since last Wednesday
00:57when she failed to return from a bush walk.
01:00The 18 year old's body was found by the SES in rugged terrain
01:04late this morning.
01:05I can tell you it wasn't on a clear walkable track.
01:10We had up to a thousand searchers.
01:12I thank them for their time, their commitment and their bravery
01:15and once again our thoughts and sympathies are with Lily's family.
01:19Police say it's still too early to tell how Lily Hooper died or how long her body has been there.
01:26Forensic teams have been on site gathering evidence for the investigation.
01:30Earlier this week, Lily's parents described their daughter as beloved,
01:35saying the ordeal had left them absolutely devastated.
01:38Oh that's very sad, I'm very sorry to hear it.
01:41It was devastating, such a young person doing something that she loved.
01:46In Parliament, Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor led a moment's silence.
01:51A parent losing a young one, in Lily's case just 18 years of age, is an unspeakable tragedy.
02:00A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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