The daughter of a missing American woman in the Bahamas is raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, citing past incidents and statements involving her mother’s husband, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Lynette Hooker, 55, was reported missing Saturday night after falling from a dinghy while traveling with her husband, Brian, 58, as they attempted to reach their yacht, Soulmate, according to Bahamian authorities.
Officials said Hooker was swept away by strong currents after entering the water.
American woman missing in Bahamas after going overboard during boat ride with husband identified https://t.co/mLIs6uJuak [2] pic.twitter.com/FyBJRC3WtA [3]
— New York Post (@nypost) April 7, 2026 [4]
Authorities have not opened a criminal investigation, and Brian has not been charged with any crime. He has not publicly commented on the allegations raised by family members.
Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, told Fox News she believes there may be more to the story.
“I do believe something might have happened to her,” Aylesworth said.
She also referenced what she described as a history of concerning behavior.
“There’s history of them choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard. So the fact that this is actually happening makes me believe there’s more to the story,” she said.
The daughter of a missing American woman raises concerns after her mother “fell overboard,” citing past alleged abuse by her stepfather.
“There’s history of him choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard…”.pic.twitter.com/rBhGnux0Go [5]
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) April 8, 2026 [6]
Aylesworth said she received a voice message from her stepfather during the search efforts.
“Hello, honey, it’s Dad. I just got a call from Hope Town Search and Rescue, and they found the flotation device that I threw to Mom when she fell overboard,” Brian said in the message.
According to officials, the couple had departed Hope Town after sunset Saturday and were traveling toward Elbow Cay when the incident occurred.
Aylesworth said details of the situation raised questions for her, particularly regarding who was operating the dinghy at the time.
“Brian’s always driving. So he basically is in charge of the key. So the fact that my mom had it doesn’t make any sense,” she told CBS News.
She also said her mother was experienced on boats and unlikely to lose her balance.
Brian reportedly paddled the dinghy to the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard, arriving at approximately 4 a.m., before reporting his wife missing.
Authorities said Brian told investigators he last saw Hooker swimming toward shore.
The search for Hooker has since shifted into a recovery effort. Aylesworth expressed concern about the likelihood of survival after an extended period in the water.
“The more time that goes on, the more I disbelieve that she will come back alive. I don’t think that you can tread water for that long,” she told CNN.
“But I hope maybe she’s on a little island somewhere.”
Aylesworth also claimed that Brian’s demeanor would change after consuming alcohol.
“He starts to act more smart-a—y and more picking at you and like ‘I know this will irritate you, so I’m gonna do that’ type of attitude,” she said.
The couple had been documenting their time at sea on social media under the name “The Sailing Hookers,” sharing updates about their lifestyle and travels.
Authorities in the Bahamas kept up their search for a Michigan mom who’s been missing for three days. Her husband says she fell overboard, but @cbenavidesTV [7] spoke with the woman’s daughter, who says she doesn’t believe that. https://t.co/u04YWl3LuX [8] pic.twitter.com/Sm6fFcZTdv [9]
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) April 7, 2026 [10]
In one of their final posts before the incident, they shared an image of a small boat tied to a jetty in shallow water.
“Not going anywhere for a while?!” the post read.
The investigation into Hooker’s disappearance remains ongoing as authorities continue recovery efforts in the waters surrounding the Bahamas.