The tragic news out of Cullman, Alabama has worsened as the day has gone on.
Major League Fishing was stationed on Lewis Smith Lake for the Tackle Warehouse Invitational when tragedy struck on Day 2 of the event. The invitational is a part of an Tackle Warehouse Invitational series, which has already hosted tournaments in Florida and South Carolina (Lake Hartwell) to kick things off.
The event taking place right now (or at least was this morning) is the third stop included in the Tackle Warehouse Invitational circuit. Pro anglers were set to compete for three straight days of fishing in a lake that’s plentiful with largemouth and spotted bass, though the fatal crash that happened in the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake has now shortened the contest to just two days.
Major League Fishing announced the cancellation of the third day earlier this afternoon.
On what was described as a foggy morning out on the lake, an incident occurred where at least two boats collided into one another. Not much information has been released about the wreck, but the MLF has confirmed that one of the event’s anglers that was competing – Flint Davis – was involved in the crash. It has been reported (but unconfirmed by Whiskey Riff) that Davis’ boat hit a guide boat that was anchored on the lake.
Initially, only one death was confirmed and many other injuries were reported. But as I alluded to earlier, the death toll has increased as the day has gone on. Now, the the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports that three people have passed away as a result of the accident, and the ALEA also stated that it was a Nitro Bass Boat that struck a Center Console vessel.
According to WVTM, Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, all of whom were onboard the center console boat, were ejected from the boat into the water during the crash and subsequently drowned.
When the incident occurred in the early morning hours of April 16, emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene. According to reports that came out earlier in the day, local authorities were still at the site of the tournament managing the situation, and the bass boat that was involved in the crash – most likely by Flint Davis – was pulled out of the lake. News crews were able to capture footage of the boat, which showed extensive damage to the outboard motor.
After Major League Fishing confirmed the news of the fatal crash, there wasn’t much else that shared by the organization. Joe Opager, the Director of Communications with the MLF, provided this statement early on in the proceedings:
“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.”
From the looks of it, Major League Fishing was just doing their best to make sure that they only provided the most accurate information concerning the very serious and tragic boat crash that took the life of three people – and seriously injured many others. And internet speculation that MLF angler Flint Davis was one of three people that perished in the accident was proven false when Davis shared this statement on social media:
“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 was stated earlier in the story, the MLF is closely working with the Cullman County authorities to piece together what may have gone wrong during the fatal incident. And as I mentioned, the third day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational was canceled following the tragic loss of life.
Major League Fishing Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel provided this statement, along with MLF’s official message that the final day of competition originally scheduled for tomorrow would no longer happen:
“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.”
Following this morning’s tragic boating accident, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the cancellation of the final day of competition at Invitational Stop 3 scheduled for Thursday on Lewis Smith Lake.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy… pic.twitter.com/YkUR37l8YU
— Major League Fishing (@MajorLeagueFish) April 16, 2025
