A devastating boating accident during the second day of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational on April 16, 2025, at Lewis Smi
th Lake in Alabama has claimed the lives of three individuals and injured three others. The incident occurred when a bass boat collided with a center-console vessel during tournament hours.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the deceased were identified as Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona; John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman; and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi. Broom was aboard the center-console vessel when it was struck. Clark and Little were ejected into the water and later found drowned near the Miller Flats area of the lake.
The operator of the bass boat was Flint Davis, 22, a professional angler from Leesburg, Georgia. Davis was injured and transported to Cullman Regional Hospital, while Gary W. Holcomb, 51, and Luke H. Morgan, 30—both aboard the other vessel—were taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. All three survived but were treated for injuries, according to WVTM 13 News.
In response to the tragedy, Major League Fishing canceled the final day of the tournament. “This is a heartbreaking moment for our fishing community,” said MLF Executive Vice President Kathy Fennel. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those involved” (The Guardian).
Lewis Smith Lake, a 21,000-acre reservoir situated roughly one hour north of Birmingham, is a favorite destination for recreational boating and competitive fishing alike.
The community of Snead, Alabama, is mourning the loss of Joey Broom, who also served as a local town council member.
“He always had a smile on his face. No one ever had a bad thing to say about him,” said Mayor Tim Kent. “He always put the town of Snead and its people first” (Outdoor Life).
The ALEA Marine Patrol Division is continuing its investigation. No charges have been announced at this time, and further details about the conditions leading to the crash are pending.