Husband of missing American woman in the Bahamas leaves country, lawyer says

EXCLUSIVEU.S. newsU.S. newsHusband of missing American woman in the Bahamas leaves country, lawyer saysBrian Hooker left "because his mom is very ill," but he plans on returning to the islands, his attorney said. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Brian Hooker.NBC NewsShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 15, 2026, 2:36 PM EDTBy Carlos Catire, Jesse Kirsch and Minyvonne BurkeThe husband of an American woman who was reportedly swept out to sea in the Bahamas has left the country, his lawyer told NBC News. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Brian Hooker left "because his mom is very ill," but he plans on returning to the islands, attorney Terrel Butler said Wednesday. His attorney said Hokker left on a commercial flight but would not disclose his destination. Butler said the police have been informed. The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Lynette Hooker.FacebookOfficials are still searching for Hooker's wife, Lynette Hooker, after she vanished on the evening of April 4. He told police that she fell off their dinghy boat into the water while they were traveling from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, according to police.Brian Hooker, 58, was taken into custody last week and was released on Monday night. He told NBC News hours after his release that he "would never harm" his wife. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleCarlos CatireCarlos Catire is an NBC News producer.  Jesse KirschJesse Kirsch is a correspondent based in Miami reporting across all NBC News platforms.Minyvonne BurkeMinyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.