Tragedy struck on Wednesday when a boat crash on an Alabama lake during a Major League Fishing (MLF) tournament killed three people.
Police in Alabama say that a bass boat hit a center console vessel at around 7 a.m. at Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County. It was the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition.
Three men who were on the center console vessel — Joey Broom, 58, of Altoona, Alabama; John Clark, 44, of Cullman, Alabama; and Jeffrey Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi — were killed as a result of the collision.
USA Today reported that Cullman and Little fell overboard and drowned. Broom died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
The MLF canceled the final day of the invitational as a result of the collision.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” Major League Fishing Executive Vice President Kathy Fennel said in a statement.
The invitational traditionally hosts professional anglers competing for up to $115,000. Winners go on to compete in the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship in September.