Fatal boat crash ends Major League Fishing tournament early in Alabama

Three men lost their lives in a tragic boating accident on Wednesday morning during a Major League Fishing (MLF) tournament on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County, Alabama. The fatal collision occurred around 7:03 a.m. local time, during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational, and involved one of the tournament's competing anglers.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash involved a Nitro bass boat, which struck a Center Console vessel. All three victims were aboard the Center Console boat at the time of the incident.

Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, Alabama, who was fatally injured in the collision.
John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, Alabama.
Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi.
Authorities confirmed that both Clark and Little were thrown overboard by the impact and tragically drowned. Their bodies were recovered later that day.
The collision, described as a “serious boating accident,” prompted an immediate response from local emergency services, including a helicopter team. The Cullman County Emergency Management Agency confirmed the crash occurred near Miller Bottom, a known area of the lake.
Major League Fishing released a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming that Flint Davis, a professional angler from Leesburg, Georgia, was involved in the incident. While Davis was not among the fatalities, details about his condition and involvement remain limited.

Out of respect for the victims and to allow for a thorough investigation, MLF canceled the final day of the tournament, which had been scheduled for Thursday.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Major League Fishing. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
In his own statement on Instagram, Flint Davis wrote:
“I want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I ask that you keep me and all of the other affected people and families in your prayers. I’ll let you guys know more when I can.”
As of now, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division continues to investigate the exact cause of the crash. Officials have not yet released details about weather conditions or whether any mechanical or navigational issues contributed to the accident.
This marks a deeply sorrowful chapter for both the fishing community and the local Alabama residents impacted by the loss.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” the organization reiterated.
This tragedy comes amid what was supposed to be a high-profile competitive event, drawing anglers from across the country. Flint Davis, who has one career win and ten top-10 finishes in his MLF career, has earned over $127,000 across 63 events, highlighting the caliber of talent present at the competition.
As the community grieves, both local authorities and MLF vow to continue supporting the families of the victims and ensure a full investigation brings clarity and safety improvements for future events.