Police in the Bahamas have released a Michigan man, Brian Hooker, who stated his wife Lynette Hooker disappeared after falling overboard from a small boat in the waters near the island nation.
Brian Hooker, from Onsted, Michigan, was held in police custody since April 8 and was released after prosecutors recommended against filing charges at this time. Following his release, Hooker expressed hope that his wife is still alive and intends to continue the search for her.
I won’t be able to stop looking, he said, visibly emotional. The incident occurred on April 4 while the couple was traveling in an 8-foot (2.4-meter) motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay. Brian reported that Lynette had the boat’s keys, which caused the engine to shut off, forcing him to paddle to shore.
According to police, strong currents carried Lynette away and he lost sight of her. Brian contacted authorities about his wife's disappearance early the next day.
The couple, married for over 20 years, documented their sailing adventures on their Facebook page titled 'Sailing Hookers.' Despite the current situation, Hooker has denied any wrongdoing through his attorney.
The U.S. Coast Guard has also initiated a separate investigation into the matter. The couple's history shows a contention, with both having accused one another of assault in 2015 according to a police report.
Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, voiced doubts about the circumstances, arguing that her mother was an experienced sailor who wouldn’t likely fall off the boat. The investigation continues as concern grows regarding Lynette's fate.
