The U.S. Coast Guard has ended its latest search for a Lenawee County woman who disappeared during a sailing trip in the Bahamas, though the investigation into her disappearance remains active.
Lynette Hooker, 55, was reported missing after she allegedly fell overboard from a dinghy on April 4 while traveling with her husband, Brian Hooker, in the Bahamas.
The Coast Guard resumed search efforts last week after investigators developed new leads and expanded their search area.
On Monday (June 8), officials announced the operation had concluded without locating Hooker.
Search ends without answers
Despite suspending active search efforts, authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
The Coast Guard is asking anyone with information about Hooker’s disappearance to submit tips through the Coast Guard Investigative Service mobile app.
Brian Hooker, 58, was arrested by Bahamian authorities on April 8 and questioned in connection with the case.
He was released several days later without charges after investigators determined there was insufficient evidence to continue holding him, according to his attorney, Terrel Butler.
Authorities have said Brian remains a suspect as the investigation continues. He has denied any wrongdoing.
What Brian Hooker says happened
According to previous statements made by Brian and his attorney, Lynette fell from a dinghy while the couple was traveling between islands.
Brian Hooker told investigators his wife went overboard with the vessel’s key, forcing him to paddle to shore and seek help.
Authorities have not independently confirmed all aspects of that account.
Family raises questions
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has continued investigating the circumstances surrounding Lynette’s disappearance. Officials have not recovered her body and have not confirmed her death.
Family members have publicly questioned Brian’s account of events.
Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, has used social media to seek information about her mother’s disappearance and raise money for search efforts.
Aylesworth previously said she found aspects of her stepfather’s account concerning and has called for answers about what happened.
In response, Butler said his client is cooperating with investigators and “categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing.”
Multi-agency search faced tough conditions
Prior search efforts involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Authorities conducted searches by air, sea, and land while contending with challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to submit tips through the Coast Guard Investigative Service mobile app.
The investigation remains ongoing.