Fresh doubts have surfaced in the disappearance of 55-year-old Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas after her daughter Karli Aylesworth publicly challenged a key detail in Brian Hooker’s version of events — the claim that Lynette was holding the boat’s ignition key when she allegedly fell overboard.

According to Brian’s statement to authorities, the couple was returning to their yacht “Soulmate” in a small 8-foot dinghy near Elbow Cay on the night of April 4, 2026, when Lynette fell into the water. He claimed she was holding the ignition key or safety lanyard, causing the engine to stall, and that strong currents quickly swept her away despite him throwing a flotation device. Brian reportedly paddled the dinghy to shore and alerted search and rescue hours later.

But Karli Aylesworth, Lynette’s daughter from a previous marriage, told CBS News the detail simply does not add up. “I don’t understand how she got the key. Brian’s always driving. So he basically is in charge of the key,” Aylesworth said. “So the fact that my mom had it doesn’t make any sense.”

Aylesworth has consistently expressed skepticism about her stepfather’s account. She described Lynette as a highly experienced sailor and strong swimmer with over 10 years on the water, making it difficult to believe her mother could be carried away so easily. She also questioned why Brian chose to paddle to shore rather than dropping anchor or conducting a more immediate search.

The unease surrounding the case deepened further with the release of a voicemail Brian left for Karli roughly 24 hours after the incident. Delivered in a monotone, unnaturally calm voice, he said: “Hello, honey, it’s Dad. I just got a call from Hope Town Search and Rescue, and they found the flotation device that I threw to Mom when she fell overboard… They haven’t found her yet, but they can now focus all of their efforts on a smaller area and they’re still out there searching today. So I just wanted to update you and let you know. I love you. I’ll talk to you later. Bye-bye.”

Aylesworth described the message as sounding far too relaxed given the life-or-death situation. She has also spoken openly about a troubled marital history, alleging that Brian had a temper and had previously choked Lynette, with one incident reported to police in 2015. She further claimed Brian had once threatened to “throw her overboard,” a statement that now carries disturbing weight.

Brian Hooker was detained by Royal Bahamas Police on April 8 for questioning and later released without charges, though he remains a person of interest. His attorney maintains the incident was a tragic accident caused by rough seas and high winds, and Brian has publicly expressed sorrow, referring to Lynette as his “beloved” wife.

For years the couple shared their sailing adventures on social media as “The Sailing Hookers,” posting idyllic photos and videos that now stand in stark contrast to allegations of domestic tension, arguments fueled by drinking, and prior police involvement.

Lynette’s mother, Darlene Hamlett, and other family members are calling for a more comprehensive investigation, potentially involving U.S. authorities. Aylesworth has launched a GoFundMe to support continued search or recovery efforts and has stressed that while she hopes for the best, the inconsistencies — especially regarding the key — are too significant to ignore.

The case has captivated online audiences, with many focusing on the key discrepancy as a major red flag alongside the delayed, emotionless voicemail and the couple’s documented history of conflict. The U.S. Coast Guard has opened its own parallel criminal investigation.

As the search for Lynette continues and authorities press forward with their probe, her family refuses to accept a quick resolution. They want every detail examined, particularly the question that refuses to go away: if Brian was always the one driving, why was Lynette holding the key that night?

The waters near Elbow Cay may still be hiding answers, but Lynette’s daughter is determined to keep the pressure on until the full truth emerges.