The families of the two men who survived last week’s fatal boat crash on Smith Lake that killed three men aboard their vessel have retained legal counsel, according to media reports.
The families told CBS42 through their attorney, Ken Riley of the law firm Farris, Riley & Pitt (FRP), that they will be filing a lawsuit on behalf of survivors Gary Holcombe (51) and Luke Morgan (30), who both suffered serious injuries when a Nitro Bass boat piloted by angler Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia, struck their center console boat on April 16 during the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitational Tournament.
“We are investigating the events that led to this collision with local and state authorities to learn what happened to preserve critical evidence,” the firm said in a statement.
“Our clients face a long road to recovery ahead, and they greatly appreciate continued support. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the three individuals who lost their lives on Wednesday.
“As our clients recover, we will leverage every resource possible to hold those responsible for this needless, avoidable disaster accountable. And ensure that a tragedy like this is prevented in the future.”
Riley told wbrc.com that Holcomb is a longtime fishing guide who has worked on Smith Lake since 1992. He was operating the center console boat and was reportedly sitting still when it was hit by Davis’ bass boat.
The three other men aboard Holcombe and Morgan’s boat — John K. Clark (44), Jeffrey C. Little (62), and Joey Broom (58) — were all killed as a result of the collision. According to law enforcement, Broom was killed immediately while Clark and Little were thrown from the boat and subsequently drowned. Davis was also injured in the crash.
The extent of Davis’ injuries and those suffered by Holcombe and Morgan have not been disclosed; Riley said only that he was “pleased to report that although they both had very serious injuries, they are recovering. It’s going to be a long road, but they and their families are holding onto hope.”
“Based on our own investigation, and we’ve conducted an investigation of our own, an independent investigation, we believe that there’s definitely negligence and we intend to hold those who are responsible accountable,” Riley said in this Yahoo.com post.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said it will not comment any further on the incident while it is under investigation. There has been no word on whether or not Davis will face charges connected to the crash.
The same morning as the MLF crash, another boat collision during a National Professional Fishing League tournament in North Carolina left a local resident hospitalized. According to the state Wildlife Resources Commission investigating the incident, angler Jessie Ayers, who was competing in the tournament, was reportedly traveling at speeds between 50 and 60 mph near the Lake Norman State Park boat ramp when his vessel struck the side of a fishing boat idling nearby. Ayers has been charged with careless and reckless operation of a motorboat.
