Lynette Hooker’s daughter has criticized her father-in-law for leaving the Bahamas while authorities were still searching for the missing woman.
Carly Aylesworth, 28, expressed her disappointment, saying it indicated he was “not a man of his word.” Brian Hooker reportedly departed the island on Wednesday due to a family emergency in the U.S.
According to officials, Brian, 59, arrived in Atlanta, where his attorney mentioned he returned to care for his “seriously ill” mother.
This move came despite his previous insistence that his “sole focus” was locating his wife, who vanished on April 4.
“No matter how likely or unlikely it is, my only focus is to find Lynette,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the search for Lynette has been suspended due to an ongoing investigation. While the authorities understand the need for the inquiry, they plan to resume the search as soon as feasible.
Brian, released without charges after five days, initially intended to stay in the Bahamas until his visa expired. His daughter Kari is expected to fly out to assist in the search, which might be reduced soon.
Authorities are nearing the limits of their search areas after checking “currents, drifts, and winds,” according to reports.
The U.S. Coast Guard, which has initiated a criminal investigation, has also sent a K-9 team to help in the case, according to Royal Bahamas Police Deputy Commissioner Advaldo Dames.
Brian has consistently claimed that Lynette, 55, fell overboard during a late-night trip back to their yacht. While he maintains she was swept away by the tide, others, including Mr. Carli—who previously called for a thorough investigation—have hinted at possible dark undercurrents, referencing Brian’s alleged history of domestic violence.
Brian has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
“I said I would never hurt Lynette, and I would never hurt Lynette, and I want to find Lynette,” he told police during questioning.
He expressed distress over the time that has passed, saying, “It’s been 10 days… I don’t think I’ve ever been away from her this long in 25 years.” Tears streamed down his face as he spoke.
Brian has “categorically and unequivocally” denied any involvement in his wife’s disappearance and is considering hiring a boat and plane for the search.
“I can’t stop watching,” he admitted.
He also conveyed a desire to believe Lynette is still alive, recalling stories about people who have survived after falling overboard for extended periods in the Bahamas.
“There are so many islands, so many sandbars… it’s hard not to think of alternatives,” he reflected. “But I just can’t look away from this.”
