American woman missing at sea, FBI expert weighs in on Bahamas boat trip disappearance
An American woman named Lynette Hooker, aged 56, has been reported missing at sea after her husband claimed she went overboard during a boating excursion in the Bahamas on April 4. Former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker is shedding light on the ongoing police investigation, the search efforts currently being conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the puzzling elements surrounding this incident, such as a set of keys found with Hooker. Her daughter has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into her disappearance.
Separately, the body of a woman discovered on a Florida beach last week has been identified as Kellie Melinda Williams, an American Airlines flight attendant. Officials believe she died following an apparent collision with a boat while snorkeling.
Her remains were found by two fishermen in the surf near Hollywood Beach around 8 p.m. on June 3, as reported by CBS Miami.
Authorities have stated that the 31-year-old flight attendant bore injuries that align with being struck by a vessel. Her cause of death has been determined to be blunt force trauma.
According to a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), “Based on the investigation, it appears the deceased was snorkeling or diving in the area of Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park during the day of June 3.” FWC officials are collaborating closely with Hollywood detectives as they continue to investigate this case.
Kellie Melinda Williams was found dead in Hollywood, Florida. (INSTAGRAM /@kellieflower)
Details regarding the suspected boat involved in Williams’ death or if any suspects have been identified have not been released. News Media reached out to FWC and Hollywood police for comment.
Kellie Melinda Williams was found dead in Hollywood, Florida, from a suspected boat strike. (INSTAGRAM /@kellieflower)
One witness detailed the scene as the pair of fishermen pulled Williams’ body from the water Wednesday night.
“Two fishermen were fishing right off the beach, and I saw them from my window pulling something, then I saw them drag something onto the shoreline,” Emilio Benitez told NBC6 South Florida. “And it turned out to be a lady’s body.”
Williams’ parents reportedly told the outlet that their daughter had recently gotten married and moved to Florida, adding that she was an avid snorkeler and “great person.”
Williams was a flight attendant based at Miami International Airport, according to the Miami Association of Professional Flight Attendants.
Flight attendant Kellie Melinda Williams was killed in a suspected boat strike in Hollywood, Florida. (INSTAGRAM /@kellieflower)
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and fellow MIA Flight Attendant, Kellie Williams,” the organization wrote in an Instagram post. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Kellie’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
A woman’s body was found washed up on the beach in Hollywood, Florida. (Julie Deshaies)
Williams’ employer, American Airlines, also expressed the company’s grief upon hearing of her passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague,” an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement to News Media. “Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues at this time.”
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