A devastating boating accident on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County, Alabama, has resulted in the deaths of three individuals during the second day of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The incident occurs around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, when a Nitro Bass Boat collides with a Center Console vessel near the Miller Flats area of the lake.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) identifies the deceased as Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona; John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman; and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi. Broom, a council member in the town of Snead, dies from injuries sustained in the crash and is pronounced dead at the scene. Clark and Little are thrown overboard during the collision and drown. Their bodies are recovered hours later by search-and-rescue teams using sonar equipment and divers.
Flint Davis, a professional angler from Leesburg, Georgia, is operating the Nitro Bass Boat at the time of the collision. Davis, who is competing in the tournament, survives and later releases a statement expressing his gratitude for support while requesting prayers for the families of those lost.
In response to the tragedy, Major League Fishing cancels the final day of the tournament, which had been scheduled for Thursday, April 17. The competition originally offered a top prize of up to $115,000. MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel calls the incident a “heartbreaking moment” for the league and extends condolences to the victims’ families and friends.
The ALEA Marine Patrol Division is currently investigating the cause of the crash. While the precise circumstances are still under review, preliminary reports suggest that speed may have contributed to the fatal collision. The fishing community is now engaging in deeper conversations around improving safety measures during competitive events.
Lewis Smith Lake, a popular destination for boating and fishing events, is known for its deep, clear waters and steep drop-offs. The accident is one of the deadliest boating incidents in the lake’s recent history and has prompted renewed calls for stricter tournament safety guidelines, including regulated speeds and mandatory safety briefings.
The town of Snead mourns the loss of Councilman Joey Broom, who was well-regarded for his dedication to public service and church ministry. Family members and community leaders in Cullman and Brandon also release statements expressing sorrow for the unexpected loss of Clark and Little, both avid outdoorsmen.
As the investigation continues, ALEA urges all boaters to exercise heightened caution, especially during peak activity times on the water. The agency emphasizes the importance of wearing life vests and maintaining awareness of other vessels in the vicinity.
Source Links:
https://apnews.com/article/a2ad282bb245bb6c8efab598f6db9872
https://people.com/3-dead-tragic-boating-accident-alabama-fishing-tournament-11716974
https://www.reuters.com/sports/three-dead-boating-crash-alabama-pro-fishing-tournament-2025-04-17/
https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/44712456/3-killed-boating-crash-major-league-fishing-event
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fishing-tournament-boats-collision-in-alabama-leaves-3-dead/
https://www.wvtm13.com/article/boat-crash-possible-injuries-smith-lake/64500365
https://www.cullmantribune.com/2025/04/16/updated-3-victims-identified-in-smith-lake-boat-crash/
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/major-league-fishing-tournament-canceled-after-deadly-boat-incident
https://youtu.be/AG0DOzY1JvM
https://youtu.be/ER8MpSvMP_s?list=RDNSER8MpSvMP_s
