The parents of Lily Hooper have shared heartbreaking tributes to their beloved daughter as hundreds bid farewell to the 18-year-old.
A large crowd of young people congregated at a chapel in Sydney’s southwest to bid farewell the “fearless” teenager after her death on a solo hike in rugged NSW bushland gripped Australia.
Later that night, the southern pylon of the Sydney Opera House lit up in purple as a tribute to the teenager.
Mourners had earlier gathered at the sprawling Macarthur Memorial Park in Varroville on Thursday to say goodbye to the beloved teen.
The park sits on more than 113 hectares of land in Sydney’s southwest, with Ms Hooper’s funeral being held at its centrepiece, the Sanctuary Chapel.
Sad detail as mourners farewell beloved teen
The carpark had nearly completely filled up by 10.30am, with many of the vehicles trickling in sporting red and green P plates.
A large number of mourners entering the building prior to the service were young adults and teenagers.
The chapel was described by park operators as a “place of peace and reflection” which “offers a warm and welcoming setting for memorial services and quiet moments of remembrance.”
Media were asked to refrain from taking photos as mourners entered the chapel, dressed in bright colours to pay tribute to the beloved teen.
Before the service began, hundreds of mourners gathered for the casket, adorned with an array of pink and white flowers, to be walked into the chapel.
‘She was fearless’: Parents’ tribute
Speaking inside, Ms Hooper’s parents Kirrily and Jim held their composure as they shared fond memories about their beloved daughter.
Kirrily said the teenager was an authentic and fearless young woman, describing her daughter as someone who “didn’t worry about what other people thought”.
“She didn’t hold herself back through fear or worrying about whether she was doing too much,” she said.
“When we think about Lily’s achievements, we actually took all these great things for granted – because that was just her.”
She said Lily’s determined and driven nature “captivated so many people in these last few weeks”.
“She took life by the horns and did what she enjoyed, what she wanted to do, and is teaching us all about the important things in life.”
Kirrily said the teenager managed to “pack a lot into 18 years”.
“She was authentic and had a style all of her own,” she said.
“Lily expressed her opinions, had a hilarious sense of humour.
“One of Lily’s greatest qualities was that she was fearless.”
Kirrily said Lily was “meant to come out of all this ordeal alive to learn her lessons and also teach other young people about taking safety seriously”.
“(Lily) really loved the outdoors,” he said.
“She loved bushwalking behind our property … she loved going to the beach, and especially when she got her (P plates), she drove to the beaches of Wollongong whenever she could.
“She loved fishing, hunting, camping and spending days in the boat.”
Mr Hooper said Lily had always been a fun-loving and energetic girl who excelled in sports, maths and the arts.
“Lily was a happy, funny and confident child,” he said.
“Lily had a wide range of interests and she had a beautiful combination of strengths.”
Best friend Stevie said Lily was the “most vibrant and courageous girl I’ve ever met”, who encouraged others to “chase dreams”.
“(She was) extremely passionate about the people she loved,” she said.
“She made me brave enough to chase dreams I never knew I had.”
She said Lily “wanted to experience as many things as she could … she did this with confidence, bravery and talent”.
“Exploring places, laughing together and crying together,” Stevie told the crowd.
“Supporting each other through all the good and bad choices
“She was my favourite person and forever best friend.”
The teenager was “strong, steady and full of spirit”, her kickboxing coach Janine said.
“She would have been a formidable black belt … I called her Lethal Lily,” she said.
“Off the mat she was gentle, sweet and full of light.
“She made people feel safe, supported, inspired and seen.”
Among the tributes, her little brother Charlie shared a heartbreaking poem to Lily.
“Eighteen years – far too few,
“Yet Lily filled them through and through.
“With courage, strength and fearless heart,
“She lived each day and played her part.”
Charlie spoke of Lily’s love for playing guitar, Tim Tams and being outdoors, and said she was a wonderful role model for other young girls.
“So when we walk a mountain trail, hear guitar strings upon the air,” he read.
“Step onto the mats, or share a Tim Tam too,
“There’ll always be a little reminder of you.”
Following the service, Lily’s casket was slowly carried from the chapel to the back of a white hearse, accompanied by a convoy of white sedans from White Lady Funerals.
The White Ladies, known for their velvet red hats and all-white attire, were seen comforting mourners before and during the service.
Devastating details reveal Lily’s final moments
Lily disappeared after setting out alone on a walk in Nattai National Park on August 12.
Her car was later found near the trailhead, sparking a major search involving police, the SES, volunteers and specialist crews working through dense and difficult terrain.
Eight days later, her body was located in bushland – ending a desperate search that had drawn widespread public attention and left her family clinging to hope.
The teen from Oakdale will be remembered not only for the heartbreaking circumstances of her death, but for the warmth, energy and fearless spirit that family and friends have described in the days since she was found.
In an update after her death, Kirrily told The Daily Telegraph preliminary reports indicated Lily had suffered a fall on the first afternoon.
“She died the day she went missing and was found lying peacefully in dense bushland,” Kirrily said.
“In hindsight we now know she passed quickly and she didn’t suffer in the cold.”
Those closest to Lily have painted a picture of a young woman who lived boldly and left a lasting mark on the people around her.
Her mother described her as “a headstrong, independent, fearless girl”, qualities that made her who she was, but also, she believed, “left her vulnerable to misadventure”.
Tributes have flowed from across the Wollondilly region and beyond.
Lily had worked as a Sydney BridgeClimb guide, where she was remembered as “an absolute delight” who “lit up every space with her smile and enthusiasm”.
Last month, a community memorial in Oakdale drew hundreds of people, with candles, flowers and purple lights honouring a teenager many described as bright, kind and full of promise.
Lily’s death has also sparked fresh discussion about bush safety, with her parents hoping her legacy will encourage young hikers to think carefully before heading into remote areas alone.
Mr Hooper has also spoken of turning that grief into something lasting, floating the idea of “Lily’s Law” to build awareness around safety devices and preparation in the bush.
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