CULLMAN, Ala. — A tragic boating accident during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational fishing tournament left three people dead on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred on Lewis Smith Lake, located about 70 miles north of Birmingham, a popular recreational area in Alabama.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the collision involved a bass fishing boat striking a center-console vessel early Wednesday. The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals who were aboard the center-console boat. The victims were identified as Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi. Broom sustained fatal injuries from the collision, while Clark and Little were thrown overboard and drowned.
The ALEA is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, but no details about the cause of the accident have been released at this time. Major League Fishing (MLF), the organization behind the tournament, confirmed that competitor Flint Davis was involved, though further details about his involvement have not been disclosed.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF’s executive vice president and general manager. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
In light of the incident, Major League Fishing canceled the third and final day of the tournament, which had been scheduled for Thursday. The competition, which was held for professional anglers to vie for a top prize of up to $115,000, was cut short as a mark of respect for the victims and their families.
The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over what was meant to be a competitive and celebratory event for anglers. The accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers inherent in boating and outdoor activities, particularly on busy bodies of water.
