UPDATE April 18: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (state police) has confirmed that professional angler Flint Davis, 22, was the operator of the Nitro Bass Boat involved in the crash on April 16 during a Major League Fishing tournament event on Lewis Smith Lake that claimed the lives of three men on a center console boat. Davis was injured in the crash and was transported to Cullman Regional Hospital for treatment.
John K. Clark (44) of Cullman and Jeffrey C. Little (62) of Brandon, Mississippi, were aboard the center console and were thrown into the water by the collision. The both subsequently drowned; authorities recovered their bodies near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake. Joey Broom (58) was also killed in the collision when he was struck by the Nitro Bass Boat. Broom was pronounced dead at the scene.
The operator of the center console, Gary W. Holcomb (51) of Cullman and passenger Luke H. Morgan (30) of Albertville were injured but survived; they were taken to UAB Hospital for treatment.
Authorities also confirmed that Davis was the only person aboard the Nitro Bass Boat at the time. No information has been released about any pending charges against Davis. The MLF also confirmed Davis’ involvement on Wednesday.
UPDATE April 16: Media outlets are reporting three people were killed in a two-boat collision during a Major League Fishing tournament event on the morning of April 16 on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama.
According to law enforcement, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. “when a bass boat hit a center console vessel.” The three men aboard the center console vessel were killed. Authorities identified them as Joey Broom (58) of Altoona, John Clark (44) of Cullman, and Jeffrey Little (62) of Brandon, Mississippi.
Clark and Little were thrown overboard by the crash and drowned. Authorities did not say what exactly happened to Broom. All three men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released any information regarding the cause of the accident and said the investigation is ongoing.
In a statement issued earlier in the day, the MLF confirmed that angler Flint Davis was involved in the collision and media outlets have posted photos of his damaged boat, but police did not explicitly identify him as being aboard the bass boat that struck the center console boat at the time of this update.
ORIGINAL POST April 16: In a tragic incident during a Major League Fishing tournament event, at least one person was killed this morning and several were injured in a multi-boat crash on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama, according to Fox10 News and other local news reports.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” MLF Executive Vice President Kathy Fennel said in a news release. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
MLF has confirmed that angler Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia, who was fishing in Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational, was involved in the crash, but it is unclear at this time who is the resulting fatality reported by the Cullman County Coroner office, which stated the individual died at the scene. The MLF says more details will be released in the near future.
“Out of respect for those involved, and to ensure the accuracy of all information, no further details will be released at this time,” said Joe Opager, an MLF spokesperson. “MLF is working closely with law enforcement and emergency officials. Additional updates will be provided as they are confirmed by the appropriate authorities. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
This boat crash occurred on the same morning that two boats were involved in a collision during a National Professional Fishing League tournament event on Lake Norman in North Carolina. At least one person was injured in that crash, which involved NPFL angler Jessie Ayers of Antlers, Oklahoma.
