The daughter of 55-year-old American woman Lynette Hooker disappeared at sea Bahamas She reportedly accused her stepfather, Brian Hook, of abusing her mother after she fell overboard while riding in a dinghy at night. According to USA Today , Bryan was arrested in connection with Lynette’s disappearance.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said a man was arrested on Wednesday, April 8, but did not reveal the man’s identity. Suspect. However, USA Today and Reuters reported that the suspect was her husband, Brian.
Abuse allegations against Brian Hook
Lynette’s daughter Carly Ellsworth told Fox News that her stepfather Brian abused her mother in the past.
“I do believe something may have happened to her,” Cali told the outlet. “There’s a history of him strangling her and threatening to throw her overboard. The fact that that actually happened leads me to believe there’s more to the story.”
Cali called for a full investigation, including with help from the U.S. government, People reported.
However, Bryan denied the abuse allegations in a statement shared with The Daily Beast.
Learn more | Where is Lynette Hooker? What we know about American woman missing at sea in Bahamas, ‘many unanswered questions’
“I categorically deny Carly Ellsworth’s allegations,” he said. “At this time, I have retained local attorney Terrel Butler and I am acting on her strict advice not to provide further comment to the media as the investigation is currently ongoing.”
Butler told Oxygen.com she could not comment on the case at this time.
“The investigation is ongoing and I am not yet able to take instructions from my client,” Butler said. “I don’t want to [say] Anything out of character without knowing all the facts. “
Calley also questioned the specific circumstances of the case.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” she told Fox News. “My mum was very fit and strong. She was a strong swimmer – why did she swim away from the boat? Why did she have the key? This story makes absolutely no sense to me.”
Brian posted on Facebook after Lynette disappeared.
He wrote: “I am heartbroken by the recent boating accident in unpredictable seas and strong winds that resulted in my beloved Lynette falling from her dinghy near Elbow Reef in the Bahamas. Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the wind and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my only focus.”
“Our family is extremely grateful for the assistance from the people of The Bahamas, especially the Hopetown Volunteer Fire Rescue, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard who have worked tirelessly and continuously to bring Lynette back to us. Thank you all for keeping Lynette in your thoughts and for your support of our family during this difficult time,” Brian added.
Brian Hooker leaves voicemail for stepdaughter
Lynett and Brian, 58, both U.S. citizens, are from michiganThey were returning to the Soul Mate yacht when the woman “jumped out” of the boat, according to Hope Township Volunteer Fire Rescue Fire Chief Richard Cook. Cook said the pair encountered strong currents Saturday night after leaving Hope and heading to Elbow Cay in an 8-foot hard-bottomed dinghy. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Bryan reportedly left a voicemail for Carly explaining how he was trying to help her mother.
“Hi honey, it’s Dad. I just got a call from Hope Search and Rescue,” Bryan said in a CBS News release. “They found the flotation device that I threw to my mom when she fell into the water.”
Learn more | Who is Brian Hook? Michigan’s Lynette Hooker husband arrested after missing at sea in Bahamas
Police said Bryan told them “the strong current then carried her away” and “he lost sight of her.” He said he last saw his wife swimming toward shore.
Hook claimed that when Lynette hit the water, her engine safety rope fell with her. Without the key, the boat quickly lost power. Bryan then paddled to shore, according to police.
Bryan drifted four miles toward Marsh Harbor, Abaco. “Mr. Hook then attempted to row, but the wind was blowing at 18-22 knots and he was unable to move forward,” said Chief Richard Cook of the Hope Township Volunteer Fire Rescue Fire Department.
Once on land, he docked the boat and made his way through the bush to the Marsh Harbor shipyard. He then called police, according to Hope Township Volunteer Fire Rescue.
Cali told CBS News, “Brian always drove. So he was basically responsible for the keys. So the fact that my mom had the keys didn’t mean anything.”
