3 dead in multi-boat crash during Major League Fishing tournament in Alabama

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT/WHNT) — Three people are dead after two boats crashed in Alabama during a Major League Fishing Tournament early Wednesday.

The crash happened on Lewis Smith Lake, a reservoir in the northern portion of the state, at around 7 a.m., according to the Cullman County Emergency Management Agency.

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick confirmed one person is dead. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency identified the victim as 58-year-old Joey Broom, who died after being hit by a Nitro Bass Boat. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple people were also injured in the crash. Their conditions were not immediately available.

Major League Fishing confirmed to Nexstar’s WHNT that the “serious boating accident” happened during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational and involved a competitor, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.

“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,” MLF released.

Authorities did not detail Davis’ involvement in the crash. WHNT did see Davis’ boat still on the lake. A park manager said he was unsure if the boats involved were all from the tournament.

Images captured by WHNT, seen below, show damage to the rear of Davis’ boat as well as a helicopter that arrived on scene.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the crash and will provide additional information at a later time.

The fishing tournament on Smith Lake was scheduled to run through Thursday. The tournament director confirmed to WHNT that the remainder of the competition has been cancelled.

MLF’s communication director Joe Opager told WHNT that the league was working to gather additional information.