National

Deadline Nears in Lynette Hooker Search

Officials in the Bahamas could end the search for Lynette Hooker, a woman who went missing in the island nation, as soon as Thursday, Fox News reported, citing an NBC report.

After looking into “tide, drift and wind,” authorities said they are running out of places to search, the report said.

Lynette’s husband Brian Hooker was arrested and detained for questioning last week, just days after he reported that she fell off a motorboat with the keys and strong currents carried her away. Hooker was not charged in connection with the incident and has denied any wrongdoing. He was released from custody on Monday.

Brian told CBS News on Tuesday that he plans to continue searching for his wife.

“I believe I’ve been told that people have lasted in the Bahamas after falling overboard for days and even weeks,” he told the outlet. “There are so many islands, there are so many sandbars, little atolls and spits of land. Of course, you think about alternatives to that, but I’m not really capable of just turning away from this.”

Newsweek reached out to Royal Bahamas Police and Brian’s lawyer, Terrel Butler, for additional information and comment.

Lynette has been missing since April 4. Brian reported her missing the next day.

The U.S. Coast Guard told Fox News that its criminal investigation into Brian Hooker remains ongoing.

Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, previously told Fox News that her stepfather’s story “just doesn't add up” and she believes “something might have happened to” her mother. She alleged that he has a history of violence toward her mother.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.

Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 10:23 AM.

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW