Brian Hooker says he fired two flares in desperate rescue bid after wife Lynette went overboard

FREEPORT, BAHAMAS: Brian Hooker’s account of his wife Lynette Hooker’s disappearance in the Bahamas has raised serious questions, as new witness statements and police actions come to light.

A security guard described Hooker as exhausted and desperate when he reached shore hours after the alleged incident.

Despite his claims of a tragic accident, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lynette’s disappearance.

Brian Hooker’s account of his wife’s disappearance

Hooker arrived at Marsh Harbour Boatyards around 4 am on April 5, approximately nine hours after he claimed his 55-year-old wife Lynette fell overboard from a dinghy in rough waters. Edward Smith, the security guard on duty, recalled that Hooker appeared more exhausted than suspicious.

He said Hooker was “asking for water” and seemed physically drained during their interaction. Hooker told Smith that he and his wife had been on a cay at a bar, eating or drinking, before attempting to travel to another location or return to their boat.

According to Hooker’s account, they encountered rough weather during the journey, which led to Lynette falling into the water. 

Smith questioned why it had taken so long for Brian to reach shore and raise the alarm. Brian responded that he had attempted to signal for help by sending up two flares. He claimed that two separate boats passed by but did not respond to either flare.

Smith noted that there were no witnesses to these attempts. When asked about Lynette’s whereabouts, Hooker stated, “She’s in the water.”

He also expressed concern over the timeline, pointing out the gap between the alleged incident at around 7 pm and Hooker’s arrival at shore hours later. Hooker explained that strong winds caused the boat to drift away, leaving him unable to see clearly in the dark.

He said he had been drifting until he eventually reached the boatyard. Smith contacted police, who arrived around 5 am. Hooker continued speaking with officers until the end of Smith’s shift at 7 am.

A second employee later confirmed that detectives returned to the boatyard days afterward as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigation, arrest, and release of Brian Hooker

Following the initial report, Hooker was taken into custody as a suspect in connection with his wife’s disappearance. Authorities were given until April 12 to decide whether to charge or release him. During the investigation, a flotation device was found, but no sign of Lynette’s body has been discovered.

Hooker has denied any involvement in his wife’s disappearance. In his only public statement prior to his arrest, he said he was “heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds” that caused Lynette to fall from the dinghy.

His attorney, Terrel Butler, later confirmed that Hooker was released from police custody after authorities determined they had “no evidence” to hold him. Butler described Hooker as “very emotional” and said he needed time to “destress from this horrible experience.”

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles stated that the decision to release Hooker was made after discussions with prosecutors, following his questioning by police for more than three hours at Central Police Station. He was also asked about his relationship with his wife and their personal life, Butler said.

“He was uncertain as to why they were questioning him about causing harm or possible murder when they had not given him any information where she is, if they had recovered her,” Butler said after the interview