Hi Mike-
Long time lurker here on WS- first time poster. I live in Trophy Club where this occurred. He launched from our park area and OM was found near the launch area as well. It's a dang miracle he came out unscathed- between the water, lack of life jacket, wildlife as you mentioned and the elements... And I will add- we have had a boat on this lake for 17 years and I've never seen an alligator, nor has anyone. They appear in some of our lakes very infrequently- many times as a released pet that can survive if they have to, but they are not indigenous to this area.
I agree with your assessment of what happened. I think he's trapped underwater and the visibility is so poor, they just can't find him. But he will surface. The water temp is cold, but the air is warm, so sometimes when we have missing people on these lakes (it happens every single summer as you know)- they take a while to be found. We lost a family friend's son 8 years ago on a nearby lake and he wasn't found for 39 days
His criminal history is puzzling and the timing sure is odd considering he just received his 3rd DUI a month ago today. He is probably facing some jail if not prison time. I just don't understand the continued driving without a license and not having the little one in a seat belt and now not having him in a life jacket
So thankful at least OM is home safe and sound.