UPDATE: 3 Killed in Tragic Boat Accident During Lewis Smith Lake Tackle Warehouse Invitational Bass Tournament

UPDATE: The accident is still under investigation, but the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has confirmed three deaths from this accident.

Major League Fishing: Lewis Smith Lake Boat accident / Major League Fishing

UPDATE: 9:00pm EST, 4/16/25 3 Anglers Confirmed Dead, 3 Injured in Tragic Boat Accident

Local ABC News 33/40 is reporting that a total of three men have died and three more are injured as a result of a two-boat crash just after 7:00 a.m. this morning on Lewis Smith Lake.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, was fatally injured when the vessel he was on board was struck by a bass boat near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County. Broom was pronounced deceased at the scene.

John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi are the other two victims identified by ALEA. Reporting says both men were also on board the vessel with Broom at the time of the collision. They “were thrown overboard during the incident. Both individuals drowned and have been pronounced deceased. Their bodies were recovered near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County.”

The damage to Flint Davis' boat appears to be primarily to keel near the bow of the boat and the outboard motor being ripped from the transom. / ABC News 33/40

Three other people are reported as injured from the accident. Major League Fishing confirmed that Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia, one of the anglers competing in their Tackle Warehouse Invitational bass tournament, was involved in the crash.

ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division are still actively investigating the incident and said that as additional information becomes available, it will be passed along.

Heartbreaking news from Smith Lake — a serious boat crash during a Major League Fishing tournament has left 3 people dead and 3 others injured. One of the victims has been identified as 58-year-old Joey Broom from Altoona. The crash involved a Center Console boat and a Nitro Bass Boat. MLF angler Flint Davis was involved and has asked for prayers for everyone affected. Out of respect, the final day of the tournament has been canceled. https://abc3340.com/news/local/multi-boat-crash-on-smith-lake?fbclid=IwY2xjawJtCtZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHpgBfi7E2n1Ii-cKmuJBuhfXaskXmOKf_uwtU3iMjxlHvMAGssMilHEPleGN_aem_UE9n8TCh_-FL_K7-IOENCg

Posted by Gracie Johnson ABC 33/40 on Wednesday, April 16, 2025

A serious boating accident occurred this morning at Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational on Lewis Smith lake in Alabama. There are minimal details at this time and speculation would be a mistake at this point. We will report actual details only after they are officially confirmed. Following is what we know at this time.

UPDATE: 4:41pm EST, 4/16/25 Major League Fishing Cancels Day 3

Major League Fishing has issued the following press release. The final day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational bass tournament on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama has been canceled.

Major League Fishing Cancels Final Day of Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake

CULLMAN, Ala. (April 16, 2025)– Following this morning’s tragic boating accident, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the cancellation of the final day of competition at Invitational Stop 3 scheduled for Thursday on Lewis Smith Lake.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”

---

According to the local ABC 33/40 News affiliate:

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) - First responders are on the scene of a multi-boat crash with injuries on Smith Lake, according to the Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

The EMA is among the agencies responding to the Miller Bottom area.

The Cullman County Coroner says one person died at the scene.

---

Major League Fishing has issued the following press release:

Major League Fishing Statement Regarding Boating Accident on Lewis Smith Lake

CULLMAN, Ala. (April 16, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) confirms that a serious boating accident occurred this morning on Lewis Smith Lake during Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The incident involved one of the event’s competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.

Emergency personnel and local authorities responded immediately and remain on scene managing the situation.

Out of respect for those involved, and to ensure the accuracy of all information, no further details will be released at this time. MLF is working closely with law enforcement and emergency officials.

Additional updates will be provided as they are confirmed by the appropriate authorities.