Police in the Bahamas have released a Michigan man who said his wife disappeared after falling overboard from a small boat in waters off the island nation. Brian Hooker, of Onsted in southern Michigan, had been in police custody since April 8 after being questioned by authorities. He told CBS News shortly after his release that he wants to believe his wife is still alive and plans to go back out to look for her as soon as possible. “I won’t be able to stop looking,” Hooker said, getting emotional. Law enforcement freed him after consulting with prosecutors who recommended against filing charges at this time, with investigations underway.
Brian Hooker told police that Lynette Hooker, 55, fell overboard the night of April 4 as they were traveling in an 8-foot motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, a group of small islands on the eastern end of the Bahamas. He said Lynette had the boat’s keys, causing its engine to shut off and forcing him to paddle ashore. “Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her,” police said in a statement. After reaching shore, Brian Hooker alerted someone about his wife’s disappearance early the following day, according to authorities.
Hooker has denied any wrongdoing, according to his attorney, Terrel Butler. The U.S. Coast Guard has opened an investigation separate from the one being conducted by authorities in the Bahamas. The couple, who chronicled their sailing adventures on their “Sailing Hookers” Facebook page, had been married for over 20 years and documented their sailing journeys across the Caribbean. Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, expressed disbelief that her mother would simply fall off the boat, emphasizing her sailing experience. The couple's history, however, includes past allegations of assault, further complicating the investigation.
Brian Hooker told police that Lynette Hooker, 55, fell overboard the night of April 4 as they were traveling in an 8-foot motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, a group of small islands on the eastern end of the Bahamas. He said Lynette had the boat’s keys, causing its engine to shut off and forcing him to paddle ashore. “Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her,” police said in a statement. After reaching shore, Brian Hooker alerted someone about his wife’s disappearance early the following day, according to authorities.
Hooker has denied any wrongdoing, according to his attorney, Terrel Butler. The U.S. Coast Guard has opened an investigation separate from the one being conducted by authorities in the Bahamas. The couple, who chronicled their sailing adventures on their “Sailing Hookers” Facebook page, had been married for over 20 years and documented their sailing journeys across the Caribbean. Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, expressed disbelief that her mother would simply fall off the boat, emphasizing her sailing experience. The couple's history, however, includes past allegations of assault, further complicating the investigation.
