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3 Dead After Boat Crash During Fishing Tournament at Smith Lake, Alabama
A tragic boating accident during a professional fishing event at Smith Lake, Alabama, has left three men dead. The crash happened on the morning of April 16, 2025, during the Tackle Warehouse Invitational tournament organized by Major League Fishing.
What Happened During the Crash?
The accident took place around 7:00 a.m. when a Nitro Bass Boat collided with a Center Console boat carrying three people. The collision occurred on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County, which is a popular spot for fishing tournaments.
According to local authorities, the crash threw two men overboard. Both drowned before they could be rescued. The third man, who remained on the boat, died from his injuries shortly after the crash.
Victims Identified by Authorities
The three men who died in the accident were:
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Joey M. Broom, 58, from Altoona, Alabama
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John K. Clark, 44, from Cullman, Alabama
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Jeffrey C. Little, 62, from Brandon, Mississippi
Clark and Little were thrown into the water after the impact and drowned. Broom was still on the boat when first responders arrived but later died from his injuries.
Was a Tournament Angler Involved?
Yes. The Nitro Bass Boat was being operated by Flint Davis, a professional angler from Leesburg, Georgia, who was competing in the tournament. Major League Fishing confirmed that Davis was one of their participants.
Authorities have not released information suggesting Davis was at fault. The investigation is still ongoing.
Final Day of Tournament Canceled
In response to the deadly crash, Major League Fishing canceled the final day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. In a public statement, they expressed their condolences and said they are cooperating fully with the investigation led by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
“We’re deeply saddened by this loss. Out of respect for those involved, we are canceling the final day of competition,” the organization said.
Investigation Ongoing
The ALEA Marine Patrol Division is now leading the investigation. They are working to figure out exactly what caused the boats to collide.
Local officials have asked anyone who was on the lake that morning and may have witnessed the crash to come forward with any information that could help the investigation.
