CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – Authorities in Cullman County say three men died in a boating crash on Smith Lake Wednesday morning.
The crash happened near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake at the time a fishing tournament was being held.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency say Joey M. Broom, of Altoona, was killed when the Center Console vessel he was on was hit by a Nitro Bass Boat. Broom, 58, was a councilman for the Town of Snead.
WBRC reached out to Snead Mayor Tim Kent who said, “He always had a smile on his face. No one ever had a bad thing to say about him. He always put the Town of Snead and it’s people first. They are deeply saddened and shocked. He will be missed.”
The Cullman County Coroner’s Office confirmed Wednesday afternoon two more bodies were recovered from the lake. ALEA officials identified the victims as John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi.
Clark and Little, according to ALEA, who were also onboard the Center Console vessel involved in this morning’s crash, were thrown overboard during the incident. Both men drowned and have been pronounced dead. Authorities say their bodies were recovered near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County.
Major League Fishing (MLF) confirms the crash involves angler Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia. He was part of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational.
ALEA is also requesting that everyone avoid the crash area as investigators, along with other first responders, continue to process the scene.
The following agencies responded to the scene and are currently assisting: the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Cullman County Dive Team, Cullman County Coroner’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 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 along with Troopers with ALEA Marine Patrol Division.
Major League Fishing has cancelled the tournament that was supposed to go until Thursday.
“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. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” said Joe Opager with Major League Fishing.
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