(Update) ALEA releases IDs of all involved in fatal Smith Lake boat crash

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April 17, 2025, at 7:55 p.m.

CULLMAN, Ala. – ALEA on Thursday released the identities of all people on board both boats involved in Wednesday’s fatal crash on Smith Lake.

One person on board the Nitro Bass Boat:

• Angler Flint A. Davis, 22, of Leesburg, Georgia, the operator, was injured and transported to Cullman Regional in Cullman, for medical treatment.

Five people on board the Center Console vessel:

• Gary W. Holcomb, 51, of Cullman, the operator, was injured and transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital for treatment.
• Luke H. Morgan, 30, of Albertville, a passenger, was injured and transported to UAB Hospital for medical treatment.
• Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, a passenger, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, a passenger, was thrown overboard and pronounced deceased later Wednesday.
• Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, a passenger, was thrown overboard and pronounced deceased later Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY’S REPORT BELOW

Updated April 16, 2025, at 5:45 p.m.

CULLMAN, Ala. – Three men died as a result of a two-vessel crash that happened at approximately 7:03 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, on day two of Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Invitational on Smith Lake in Cullman County.

Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, was fatally injured when the Center Console vessel he was on board was struck by a Nitro Bass Boat, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Broom was pronounced deceased at the scene.

ALEA identified the other two victims as John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi. It said both men were also on board the Center Console vessel. They “were thrown overboard during the incident. Both individuals drowned and have been pronounced deceased. However, their bodies were recovered near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County.”

The crash occurred near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County.

No information has been released regarding other passengers or the driver of the Nitro Bass Boat, but Major League Fishing (MLF) in its statement said, “The incident involved one of the event’s competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.”

As of press time, Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division were still actively investigating the incident and said that as additional information becomes available, it will be passed along.

Other agencies that responded to the scene and are assisting ALEA include the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Cullman County Dive Team, Cullman County Coroner’s Office, Cullman Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office and volunteer fire departments from Crane Hill, Bremen, Cold Springs, Logan and Jones Chapel.

MLF released the following statement:

“Major League Fishing (MLF) confirms that a serious boating accident occurred this morning on Lewis Smith Lake during Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The incident involved one of the event’s competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.

“Emergency personnel and local authorities responded immediately and remain on scene managing 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.

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

The remainder of the tournament was canceled following the accident.

Later Wednesday, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel said, “This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”

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