Husband of US woman who went missing from Bahamas boat falls overboard himself while in police custody
The husband of missing American boater Lynette Hooker had an accident while being transported on a police vessel in the Bahamas, falling into the water while in custody, according to his lawyer.
Attorney Terrel Butler told Fox News that 59-year-old Brian Hooker went overboard from a police boat on Wednesday, one day after his arrest in connection with his wife’s disappearance. He was handcuffed at the time but wearing a life vest when the incident happened.
Butler said rough seas caused the boat to pitch, and Hooker lost his balance and went over the side while restrained and unable to steady himself. Police pulled him back aboard after he struggled in the water.
Following the fall, Hooker reportedly complained of knee pain and minor scrapes. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Hooker has not been formally charged, but authorities consider him the primary person of interest in the disappearance of his 55-year-old wife from Michigan. According to his attorney, he was initially questioned as a witness, then interviewed again after his status shifted to suspect.
Family members have raised concerns about the couple’s relationship history. Lynette’s daughter from a previous relationship said there had been ongoing tension between the two, particularly when alcohol was involved, and alleged past violent behavior and threats made by Hooker toward her mother.
The couple had been out on a small dinghy on Saturday night when Hooker said Lynette fell into the water and was swept away by strong currents. He has stated that she had the engine key with her when she went overboard, which disabled the motor and left him unable to power the boat. He said he then had to paddle back to shore.
Hooker returned early Sunday morning and notified someone that Lynette was missing, who then contacted authorities. He also left a voicemail to his stepdaughter describing ongoing search efforts, saying rescuers had found a flotation device and were narrowing the search area, while emphasizing that teams were still looking.
Search efforts have since transitioned from rescue to recovery.
Hooker has denied any involvement in his wife’s disappearance, saying he is devastated by the situation in a statement shared on his Facebook page.
About Post Author
