Three people died and at least three were injured in a boating collision in a major league fishing game in Alabama.
The two-default crash occurred after 7 a.m. Wednesday, on the second day of the MLF’s Tackle Warehouse Invitational, on Lewis Smith Lake near Kullman City.
Albama law enforcement agencies identified Joey Broom, 58, of Cullman, John Clark, of Cullman, and Jeffrey Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, as victims by Alabama law enforcement agencies.
Alea said the broom was a MP from nearby Snead, believed to be on a central console boat, injured when the ship was hit by Nitro Bass Boat near Miller flat ground on the lake. The broom was pronounced dead at the scene.
Clark and Little were also on the central controller, thrown onto the ship and drowned during the collision, the agency said.
It is believed to be one of two boats that collided on Wednesday on Lake Lewis Smith (WIAT)
“Both men were drowned and pronounced dead. However, their bodies were found near the Miller Lake area in Lake Smith, Coulman County,” Aria said.
As WBMA reported, at least three people were injured in the incident.
Neither ALEA nor MLF provide further details about the crash or injured person. The agency said its marine patrol was investigating the collision.
No information has been released about the driver or passenger’s nitro bass boat.
However, MLF said competitive angler Flint Davis was also involved in the crash. On Monday before the incident, Davis ranked 15th.
Flint Davis, the angler at the race, was reportedly involved in the fatal crash but was not injured (Instagram/@@flintdavisfishing)
Photos obtained by WBMA, one of two vessels believed to be involved in the crash, show the “Flint Davis” decal on one side of the ship.
Davis made a brief statement on his Instagram story Wednesday night: “I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
“I ask you to let me and all other affected people and families in your prayers. I will let you know more when possible.”
Allen Johnson, a bass attorney in Alabama, said he witnessed the moment one of the ships “flyed into the air.”
He told CBS locals 12 that the ship he hit was just an angle… The driver walked through the front of the ship, through the center console, but it flew into the air. ”
Joey Broom
MLF canceled the final day of the game, which was scheduled to be held on Thursday. Angler David Kilgore won the top award of $80,000.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” Kathy Fennel, executive vice president of MLF, said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “Our deepest condolences pay tribute to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
“It’s hard to speak after today’s event. Our prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident at Smith Lake,” Joseph Webster, who finished fifth in the tournament, wrote on Instagram.
Alabama Senator Garlan Gudger JR sent his thoughts and blessings to the victims and their families.
“We want our family to know about the people in the major league fishing wreckage on Smith Lake, our prayers are with you and your family,” Gudger said in a video posted on Facebook.
