Three people were killed after two boats collided in a Lake Alabama on Wednesday, authorities said.
The incident occurred during a fishing tournament in the big leagues and involved one of the fishermen of the event, the organization said.
The two vessel accident occurred shortly after 7 am local time at Lake Smith in Cullman County, according to the Alabama Law Application Agency (Alea).
You can see a boat after an accident at Lake Smith in Cullman County, Alabama, on April 16, 2025.
WBMA
A low Nitro boat hit a central console boat, according to Aleea. The three people killed in the accident were aboard the ship of the central console, said Alea.
Among them, Joey Broom, 58, of Altoona, Alabama, was “fatally injured” in the accident, Alea said in a press release.
In addition, John Clark, 44, from Cullman, Alabama and Jeffrey Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, were thrown byboard during the incident and drowned, said Alea. His bodies were recovered from the lake, Alea said on Wednesday night.
The incident remains under investigation.
Major League Fishing said the “serious navigation accident” occurred during the second day of the riggled warehouse invitation.
A helicopter is seen after an accident at Lake Smith in Cullman County, Alabama, on April 16, 2025.
WBMA
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, executive vice president and general manager of Major League Fishing, in a statement. “Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
The last day of the competition, which had been scheduled for Thursday, has been canceled, the organization said.
