Lily Hooper’s family was told she’d been found alive. ‘She’s coming home,’ her father said – then tears of joy turned to grief

After eight days missing in the rugged NSW bush, word came through that the 18-year-old had been located. Her family were waiting with presents Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The rugged landscape of the NSW southern highlands loomed large on Thursday evening. This country had just revived, then killed hope. A young woman was found “alive”, but then it was confirmed she was dead: desperation, confusion, tragedy reigned. Here, where the bitumen of Wombeyan Caves Road runs into unsealed dirt, rolling hills dotted with cattle give way to expansive mountains. The late-afternoon sun sends long, beaming rays past the edges of clouds, casting a warm glow on distant cliff faces. Continue reading...