Lynette Hooker’s disappearance at sea in the Bahamas has taken a troubling turn, as her daughter, Karli Aylesworth, alleges her mother was a victim of abuse by her husband, Brian Hooker, claims which Brian has reportedly denied.

Brian responded to these accusations in an email to the Daily Beast, stating, “I categorically deny the allegations made by Karli Aylesworth.” He further mentioned, “I have retained local counsel, Terrel Butler, and under her strict advice, I will not be making any further comments to the press due to an ongoing investigation.”

Attorney Terrel Butler confirmed she is unable to comment on the ongoing investigation at this time.

“There are ongoing investigations, and I have yet to receive full instructions from my client,” Butler explained. “I want to ensure I have all the facts before making any statements.”

On April 8, Karli Aylesworth spoke to Fox News, asserting that her mother had faced abuse from Brian in the past.

“I do believe something might have happened to her,” Karli expressed to the news outlet. “There’s a history of him choking her and threatening to throw her overboard. The fact that this situation has occurred makes me think there’s more to the story.”

Brian did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen. Meanwhile, on April 7, local authorities told People that no foul play is suspected and according to CBS News, Brian has not been charged with a crime in the Bahamas.

Karli is calling for a full investigation, according to People, including with the help of the U.S. government. 

According to a press release from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which did not identify Lynette or Brian by name, a woman went missing on April 4 during a nighttime boat ride from Hope Town to Elbow Cay with her husband. The man, per the release, reportedly told police that his wife went overboard with the boat keys and was swept away by a strong current. When the engine of the 8-foot dinghy shut down due to the lost keys, the man paddled to shore where he reported his wife missing. 

The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association has joined the investigation, read an updated press release, alongside the police, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Hope Town Fire & Rescue and the United States Coast Guard, using drone technology and professional divers. 

Richard Cook, a spokesperson for Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, told People on April 7 that authorities “don’t suspect foul play at the moment.”

“It was just a lot of bad decisions,” he told the outlet. “Nighttime, very windy, no moon out yet so it was pitch dark and very rough conditions for the small boat they were in.” According to Cook, search efforts have pivoted to recovery. 

Karli also questioned the logistics of the case. 

“It just doesn’t add up,” she told Fox News. “My mom is very fit and strong. She’s a good swimmer—why was she swimming away from the boat? Why did she have the key? The story just does not make sense to me.” 

Karli said it was unlikely that her mom kept the keys as she never drove the boat, telling the outlet, “It was always Brian.” 

Brian reportedly spoke out in an April 8 Facebook post that was quoted in the New York Post. 

“I am heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused my beloved Lynette to fall from our small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas,” the post reads. “Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus.”

Brian also reportedly left Karli a voicemail in which he explained how he attempted to help her mom. 

“Hello, honey, it’s Dad. I just got a call from Hope Town Search and Rescue,” Brian reportedly said in the message published by CBS News, “and they found the flotation device that I threw to mom when she fell overboard.”

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