Cullman Co, AL - Fatal Boat Crash at Lewis Smith Lake During MLF Tournament

Cullman Co, AL (April 21, 2025) – A tragic boat crash occurred on Friday morning, April 18, during a Major League Fishing (MLF) tournament at Lewis Smith Lake, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The incident took place around 7:00 a.m. on the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, organized by MLF.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the crash involved two vessels, a bass boat and a center console boat. The collision occurred when the bass boat struck the center console vessel. Tragically, three men aboard the center console boat were killed in the crash: 58-year-old Joey Broom of Altoona, 44-year-old John Clark of Cullman, and 62-year-old Jeffrey Little of Brandon, Mississippi.

The force of the crash threw Clark and Little overboard, and both men drowned. Officials have not clarified the exact cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. The three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency response teams were quick to arrive at the location, with ambulances transporting the bodies of the victims and one injured individual to the hospital. Firefighters assisted in the extraction of the boats and the clearing of debris. Authorities managed the traffic around the area to ensure the safety of those involved and onlookers.

This incident serves as a devastating reminder of the risks involved in boating, particularly in competitive events like the MLF tournaments. The community is deeply affected by the loss, and the tragedy highlights the importance of safety precautions on the water.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased individuals tragically killed in this incident.

Fatal Boat Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims in Alabama

Boating accidents in Alabama have been increasing in recent years, with 14 fatalities reported in 2023. These tragic events often happen during peak boating seasons, with common contributing factors such as alcohol use, operator inattention, and speeding. The fatal boat crash at Lewis Smith Lake during a Major League Fishing tournament serves as a reminder of the dangers on Alabama's waterways and the need for improved safety measures.

In Alabama, wrongful death claims are distinct from those in other states, allowing only punitive damages meant to punish the wrongdoer rather than provide compensation for the deceased's family. The state also follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that if the deceased is found even slightly at fault, the family may be unable to file a claim. A wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, with a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal boat accident, it’s important to have a skilled Cullman County wrongful death attorney on your side. At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes for our clients in boat accident cases.

Call (205) 349-2009 to speak with one of our attorneys at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey about your loved one's deadly Cullman County boat accident. We’ll provide the legal support you need and ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout the claims process.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP, immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken.