A two-vessel crash that occurred at approximately 7:03 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, has claimed the lives of 3 men.

The accident occurred during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. Major League Fishing has canceled the tournament.

According to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi were killed when the Center Console vessel they were onboard was struck by a Nitro Bass Boat. The crash occurred near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County. Broom was pronounced dead at the scene. Clark and Little were thrown overboard and drowned. Their bodies were recovered near the Miller Flats area.

Broom was a member of the Snead Town Council. The town expressed its condolences on Facebook.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of council member, Joey Broom. Please keep the Broom family & the Town of Snead in your prayers.”

MLF confirmed the incident involved one of the competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia. According to ALEA, Davis was injured in the crash and transported to Cullman Regional for medical treatment.

Gary W. Holcomb, 51, of Cullman, the operator of the Center Console vessel, was also injured and transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham for treatment. Luke H. Morgan, 30, of Albertville, another passenger onboard the Center Console, was also injured and transported to UAB Hospital for medical treatment.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”

Agencies responding to the scene include: the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Cullman County Dive Team, Cullman County Coroner’s Office, Cullman County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Crane Hill Fire Department, Breman Fire Department, Cold Springs Fire Department, Logan Fire and Rescue, Jones Chapel Fire and Rescue, Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office along with troopers with ALEA Marine Patrol Division.

Nothing further is available as troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division continue to investigate.