Husband of Missing Woman in Bahamas Falls Overboard During Arrest

Brian Hooker, husband of missing American Lynette Hooker, fell overboard while handcuffed during his arrest in the Bahamas, his lawyer said Friday. Hooker, 58, was taken into custody Wednesday by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in connection with his wife’s disappearance. He has not been charged but remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.

Lynette Hooker, 55, from Michigan, vanished during a nighttime boat ride near Elbow Cay last weekend. Brian Hooker told police that she fell overboard from their dinghy Saturday night, taking the keys to the boat with her. He said strong currents swept her away, forcing him to paddle for hours before reaching Marsh Harbour Boat Yard early Sunday morning, where he alerted authorities.

In messages to a friend obtained by CBS News, Brian Hooker described the incident differently, saying his wife tried swimming back to the sailboat but strong winds quickly separated them. He wrote, “The wind blew me away from her and she swam towards the sailboat and we lost sight of each other pretty quickly as it was just about sundown.” He said he paddled for seven hours until reaching shore and was planning to continue searching for her.

Hooker’s friend, Daniel Danforth, expressed doubts about the consistency of Brian’s accounts. Danforth noted that the couple usually kept their phones with them and questioned why they were not available during the incident. He also found it unusual that Brian moved his boat shortly after Lynette went missing and questioned why Brian did not attempt to retrieve her if she was swimming toward the dinghy.

Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, has expressed skepticism about Brian Hooker’s version of events. She questioned how Lynette could have had the boat keys, which Brian typically controlled, and suggested the disappearance might not have been accidental. Aylesworth said, “I feel like this was probably pre-planned, if anything, like, it doesn’t seem like just some accident.” She also mentioned a history of conflict between her mother and Brian, especially when drinking.

Brian Hooker’s lawyer, Terrel Butler, said Hooker denies any wrongdoing and is cooperating fully with authorities. Butler described Hooker as “completely heartbroken and deeply distressed,” frustrated by his inability to continue searching for his wife. Butler also detailed the incident during the arrest, stating that Hooker fell into the water while handcuffed and holding a bundle of clothing amid choppy sea conditions. Hooker was submerged and had to be rescued by police, sustaining a knee injury that caused a limp and visible abrasion. Butler has requested medical attention for him.

Local residents in Marsh Harbour expressed mixed views. Some doubted Lynette simply fell overboard, while others, including a local named Johnnie J. Cash, found Brian’s account plausible given the rough weather and small vessel. Both noted that the waters were dangerous that night and that even an experienced swimmer would struggle against the currents.

Lynette Hooker’s mother, Darlene Hamlett, said she was relieved to hear of Brian Hooker’s arrest and planned to travel to the Bahamas to assist in the search. She described Lynette as an experienced swimmer and sailor, saying, “It would be a miracle if [she’s rescued], but I’m still counting on one.”

The U.S. Coast Guard has opened a criminal investigation, and Bahamian authorities have requested U.S. assistance. Brian Hooker is scheduled for further interviews as the search and investigation continue.