Reports of Multi-Boat Crash on Alabama’s Smith Lake Wednesday Morning

A large number of first responders are at a popular lake with waters in three Alabama counties after reports of a multi-boat crash there Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the Cullman County EMA told the Tuscaloosa Thread that their agency and a group of others are at Smith Lake, which also sits in Walker and Winston Counties.

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He said the scene is reported near the Miller Bottom area of the Lake.

The EMA official said they did not have immediate information about whether anyone has been seriously hurt, but said all kinds of agencies are in the area to help respond.

UPDATE, 11:45 A.M.

There is an invitational Major League Fishing tournament on Smith Lake on Wednesday, and at least one person involved in the crash was a participant from Georgia.

MLF issued a statement confirming the crash later Wednesday morning.

"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."

At least one person was reportedly killed in the crash.

UPDATE, 3 P.M.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has confirmed the details of the crash and identified an Etowah County man who was killed in the collision.

Lieutenant Jeremy J. Burkett, a spokesperson for ALEA, said 58-year-old Joey Broom was aboard a Center Console boat which was struck by a Nitro Bass Boat around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Broom, who lived in Altoona, Alabama, was fatally injured. Multiple others were reportedly injured, and Troopers with ALEA's Marine Patrol Division are investigating the cirumstances of the crash.

"ALEA is also requesting that individuals avoid the immediate crash area as investigators along with other first responders continue to process the scene. As additional information concerning the crash becomes available it will be provided," Burkett wrote.

UPDATE, 5:45 P.M.: Troopers say two more lives have been claimed by the crash.

In an evening update, Burkett said two men on the Center Console with Broom were thrown overboard in the collision and drowned.

The two new fatalities are John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Miss. Their bodies were recovered near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County.

For more updates as they become available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.