Editor’s note: This is a developing story, and we will update this as information becomes available.
CULLMAN, Ala. (WHNT) — Several agencies are investigating a multi-boat crash that killed three on Lewis Smith Lake Wednesday morning.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency identified two of the victims as 44-year-old John K. Clark, of Cullman, and 62-year-old Jeffrey C. Little, of Brandon, Mississippi. Both were thrown overboard from the Center Console vessel they were in and drowned. Their bodies were recovered near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County.
ALEA said the two-boat crash also killed 58-year-old Joey Broom when he was hit by a Nitro Bass Boat. Broom was pronounced dead on the scene.
(Courtesy of Snead Town Hall)
Snead Town Hall released a statement regarding Broom’s passing:
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of council member, Joey Broom. Please keep the Broom family & the Town of Snead in your prayers.
Snead Town Hall
ALEA said multiple people were injured in the crash and that the Marine Patrol Division is currently on scene investigating.
Major League Fishing confirmed that a ‘serious boating accident’ happened on the lake during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The incident involved one of the competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.
The MLF tournament director told News 19 that the rest of the competition has been cancelled.
Below are pictures taken from the boat ramp of officials pulling Davis’ damaged boat from the water. Both the front and the back of the boat were damaged, as seen in the pictures
(Photo: News 19)
(Photo: News 19)
Emergency personnel and local authorities responded to the scene and remain out there to manage 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,” MLF released.
News 19 crews on the scene said Flint’s boat has been pulled from the water, and the park manager said he is unsure if there are multiple boats from the tournament involved in the crash.
(Photo: News 19)
(Photo: News 19)
(Photo: News 19)
WHNT’s sister station WIAT, said officials with Cullman County EMA said the crash happened around 7:07 a.m. in the area of Burr’s Island outside of Miller Bottom and it involves multiple boats.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick told News 19 that one person is dead.
There is no word on the number of people injured or the extent of any other injuries at this time. Cullman County EMA told News 19 its director is on the scene investigating the incident.
There is a Major League Fishing tournament happening on Smith Lake April 15-17. Joe Opager with MLF told News 19 they are working to gather more information and details to learn more about what is going on at the lake.
ALEA said the following agencies responded to the scene and are currently assisting the investigation: Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Management Agency, Cullman County Dive Team, Cullman County Coroner’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Medical Services, Crane Hill Fire Department, Breman Fire Department, Cold Springs Fire Department, Logan Fire and Rescue, Jones Chapel Fire and Rescue, Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office and Troopers with ALEA Marine Patrol Division.
ALEA also asks that individuals avoid the immediate crash area as investigators, along with other first responders, continue to process the scene. As additional information concerning the crash becomes available, it will be provided.
News 19 has a crew on the scene to learn more about this incident.
