Tragedy on Smith Lake: Three Dead, Three Injured in Multi-Boat Collision During Major League Fishing Tournament

Cullman County, AL — April 16, 2025 — A tragic accident unfolded on Smith Lake Wednesday morning during a Major League Fishing (MLF) event, leaving three people dead and three others injured after a violent multi-boat collision shocked the competitive fishing community and local residents alike.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on April 16, during day two of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational tournament, when a bass boat participating in the event collided with a center-console recreational vessel near Goat Island. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division, the impact was devastating, resulting in multiple people being ejected from the boats and others suffering severe injuries on board.

Victims Identified

Authorities confirmed the identities of the three victims who lost their lives in the crash:

• Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, Alabama
• John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, Alabama
• Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi

Clark and Little were thrown overboard during the collision and were later found unresponsive in the water by rescue teams. Broom was seriously injured in the crash and was pronounced dead shortly afterward. The bodies of Clark and Little were recovered following an extensive search by ALEA’s Marine Patrol and local emergency response units.

Three other individuals involved in the crash were hospitalized with injuries. Their names and conditions have not yet been made public, though officials state that the injuries range from moderate to serious.

Professional Angler Involved

MLF confirmed that one of their professional anglers, Flint Davis, was operating the bass boat at the time of the crash. Davis, a Tennessee native and experienced competitor on the national tournament circuit, has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and the incident remains under active investigation.

In a statement released by Major League Fishing, Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events:

“We are devastated by the tragic accident that occurred this morning on Smith Lake. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and those who are injured. This is an unimaginable loss for their families and the broader fishing community.”

Tournament Canceled

In response to the fatal incident, Major League Fishing has canceled the remainder of the tournament, which had been scheduled to conclude on Thursday with a top prize of up to $115,000. Tournament officials and anglers held a moment of silence Wednesday afternoon as news of the fatalities spread through the event grounds.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators with ALEA and local law enforcement are continuing to gather evidence to determine the exact cause of the collision. Weather conditions were reported to be favorable at the time of the crash, and early reports indicate that speed, visibility, or navigation decisions could be contributing factors, though nothing has been confirmed.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information that could assist the investigation to contact ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division. Drone footage, cell phone videos, or eyewitness statements may play a crucial role in reconstructing the crash.

Community in Mourning

Smith Lake, a popular fishing and boating destination about 70 miles north of Birmingham, is no stranger to high-profile tournaments and recreational traffic. The lake’s tight waterways and sometimes crowded conditions have prompted calls for increased safety protocols during large events.

Local residents and the broader fishing community have expressed an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. Vigils and memorials are being organized, and MLF has stated that grief counselors and support services will be made available to affected anglers, staff, and families.

As the investigation continues and the community grapples with this immense loss, one thing is certain: the impact of this tragic accident will be felt far beyond the shores of Smith Lake.