HOPE TOWN, Bahamas βThe husband of a missing American woman in the Bahamas has spoken out for the first time since her disappearance off a small boat, writing that he is "heartbroken."
"Our family is deeply grateful for the Bahamian people's assistance, especially that of the Hopetown Volunteer Fire & Rescue team, Royal Bahamas police force, Royal Bahamas Defense Force, and the US Coast Guard, who have worked tirelessly in an ongoing effort to bring Lynette back to us. Thank you to everyone for keeping Lynette in your thoughts and for your support of our family during this difficult time," he added.
Brian Hooker's comments come after Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, told Fox News' Griff Jenkins on "Fox & Friends" that she has seen the man become physically violent towards one of his own children.
"I've seen him choke out one of his daughters before. And we had to go to court for that," Aylesworth said. "So he's just repeating patterns."
Fox News Digital has reached out to Brian Hooker several times but has not received a response. He has not been charged with a crime.
Aylesworth also said during the interview with Fox News' Griff Jenkins that Brian Hooker had been violent towards her mother.
"I do believe something might have happened to her," she added. "There's history of them choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard. So the fact that this is actually happening makes me believe there's more to the story."
She described her mother as a "very fit person" who wouldn't lose her balance on a boat.
"I'm confused why she has the keys because she never drove the dinghy. It was always Brian. So the story just doesn't add up right now," Aylesworth said.
Aylesworth also said that Brian Hooker left a voicemail message telling her authorities found Lynette's flotation device.
"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," Brian Hooker said in the voicemail, according to travel advisory for the Bahamas. Americans are urged to "exercise increased caution" due to crime, beach safety, as well as jet ski and boating dangers.
A spokesperson for the State Department previously told Fox News Digital the agency is aware of reports regarding the missing American and is working with Bahamian authorities.
The State Department declined to share any additional details.
Boating in the Bahamas isn't well regulated, and the State Department has said that "injuries and deaths have occurred."