Three die in boat crash during Alabama fishing contest

Cullman, Ala. (AP) — Two boats collided during a fishing tournament April 16 in Alabama, killing three people, officials said.

Major League Fishing said in a statement that a boating accident occurred during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational held on Lewis Smith Lake, a popular recreational destination about 70 miles north of Birmingham.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which is investigating the crash, said a bass-fishing boat struck a center console-type vessel early in the morning. Three people aboard the vessel were killed.

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Neither the state agency nor Major League Fishing released information about what led to the crash. Major League Fishing said in a statement that competitor Flint Davis was involved.

The state agency said Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, was fatally injured in the collision. John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Miss., were thrown overboard and drowned, the agency stated.