Missing US woman Lynette Hooker’s husband had ‘spotty’ cell service during 8-hour paddle

FREEPORT, BAHAMAS: Brian Hooker may have had only “spotty” cellphone service during the nearly eight-hour ordeal in which he paddled to shore after his wife, Lynette Hooker, went missing at sea, according to a telecommunications expert.

The development adds a new layer to the ongoing investigation into Lynette Hooker’s disappearance on April 4 near Hope Town, as authorities examine whether her husband could have contacted help sooner.

‘Spotty’ service likely

Dimitry Malinsky, CEO of IntraTEM, told Fox News Digital that cellphone reception across the 4.5-mile channel Brian Hooker navigated may have been inconsistent.

"If it's a remote key, like some of those remote keys in the Bahamas, it would be just as if you're in the ocean and not by land because if there are no cell towers," Malinsky said.

While some areas may offer limited connectivity, Malinsky noted that more remote parts of the Bahamas often lack reliable coverage, making communication difficult.

According to Bahamian authorities, Brian Hooker, 58, and Lynette Hooker, 55, departed the Abaco Inn in Hope Town at around 7.30 pm on April 4 in an 8-foot dinghy, heading toward their yacht near Elbow Cay.

Hooker told officials that his wife fell into the water while holding the ignition key, shutting off the engine. He said strong currents carried her away, leaving him to paddle alone.

He arrived at a marina in Marsh Harbour around 4 am on April 5, roughly eight hours later, where he reported his wife missing.

Questions over phone access

Investigators are still working to determine whether Hooker had a phone with him and whether it was functional during the incident. Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, said the couple typically carried phones while boating. 

Criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno said proving whether Hooker had usable service could be challenging.

"They may be able to show whether or not he was trying to conduct an outgoing call and he couldn't. But then again, if you're on some paddle boat trying to, you know, my guess is if he jumped in the water or if he tried to help her in any way, the phone was either left on the boat or the phone is in his pocket and then useless because of the water," Rotunno said. "Is that evidence? Yes. How compelling it is. We don't have that answer yet."

Probe continues

Hooker has not been charged, but police have questioned him over a potential charge of causing harm resulting in death.

His attorney, Terrel Butler, said he denies allegations made by Aylesworth, including claims of past domestic violence.

"Mr. Hooker categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing and in particular the allegations recently made by Karli Aylesworth. He has been cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of an ongoing investigation," Butler said.

The US State Department said it is aware of the case and is working with Bahamian authorities as the investigation into Lynette Hooker’s disappearance continues.