Donna Hooker, Brian Hooker's stepmother, has contacted US and Bahamian authorities to offer help with the investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas. Speaking on a podcast, Donna Hooker said her stepson Brian, whom she has known for decades, 'lied about everything'.
Donna Hooker stated that investigation teams in both the Bahamas and the US have not contacted her. In an interview with The Tribune newspaper, she said she could provide valuable information about her stepson.
Details of the disappearance
Lynette Hooker went missing while sailing in the Bahamas with her husband Brian aboard their yacht named 'Soulmate'. Brian Hooker told authorities that his wife fell into the sea from an inflatable boat. The incident was reported to police on April 4.
Bahamian police detained Brian Hooker but released him after questioning. Brian Hooker returned to the US in mid-April. Later, US Coast Guard crews seized the boat 'Soulmate' on its way back from the Bahamas.
No charges have been filed against Brian Hooker to date. The investigation remains active.
Stepmother's recollections of the past
Donna Hooker, who was married to Brian's father George Hooker for more than 40 years, observed her stepson's youth in the 1980s. She described Brian as intelligent, quiet, and introverted.
Donna Hooker explained that over the years, communicating with Brian became difficult, and they tried to contact him through his sister Jennifer, who lives in California. She said she last saw Brian in April 2022, after his father suffered a stroke, and has not heard from him since.
Donna Hooker, who said she learned of Lynette's disappearance from a family member in Texas, also added that Jennifer, who reportedly went to the Bahamas after Brian's release, did not respond to messages she sent her.