Local News
3 Dead in Smith Lake Boat Crash, Victims Identified
UPDATE: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has released an official update regarding the tragic boating accident that occurred early Wednesday morning, April 16, on Smith Lake in Cullman County.
Authorities have now confirmed that the crash has claimed the lives of three individuals.
According to ALEA, the two-vessel collision took place at approximately 7:03 a.m. near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake.
A Center Console vessel, carrying three individuals, was struck by a Nitro Bass Boat under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Among the victims was Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, who was onboard the Center Console vessel at the time of the crash.
Broom sustained fatal injuries during the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.
ALEA has since confirmed that John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi—also occupants of the Center Console vessel—were thrown overboard during the collision.
Tragically, both men drowned and were later recovered by search crews in the vicinity of the Miller Flats area.
Their deaths bring the total confirmed fatalities to three.
Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division remain actively on scene and are continuing their investigation into the incident.
ALEA has emphasized that additional details will be released as they become available.
The agency is urging the public to avoid the immediate crash area while the investigation is ongoing and out of respect for the victims and their families.
Multiple emergency response agencies, including local fire departments, EMS units, dive teams, and law enforcement, are continuing to assist in the operation.
This devastating event marks a somber day for the Smith Lake community and beyond. ALEA and local officials extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Authorities have confirmed that three individuals were killed in a tragic two-vessel boating collision early Wednesday morning on Smith Lake in Cullman County, Alabama.
Emergency response teams remain on scene as the investigation continues, with sonar equipment being used to assist in the ongoing search of the area.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported that the crash occurred at approximately 7:03 a.m. on April 16 near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake.
The incident involved a Center Console vessel and a Nitro Bass Boat.
Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, was one of the victims fatally injured in the crash. According to ALEA, Broom was aboard the Center Console vessel when it was struck by the bass boat. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the fatalities, multiple individuals sustained injuries.
Among them was professional angler Flint Davis, a Major League Fishing competitor.
Initial reports erroneously stated that Davis had died in the incident. However, officials have since confirmed that while Davis was involved in the crash, he survived and was transported to a local hospital.
He is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the immediate area surrounding the crash site as first responders and investigators continue to assess and process the scene.
ALEA stated that further information will be released as it becomes available and expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and support during the response to this tragic incident.
Local News
Authorities Identify Three Missing Girls in Missouri River Near Dodge Park
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
Authorities in Omaha have confirmed that search and recovery efforts are ongoing for three girls who went missing in the Missouri River near NP Dodge Park on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025.
According to officials, four girls had gone fishing and entered the water near a boat dock in the area around 6:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that the girls began to struggle as they floated down the river.
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
She was later found on the riverbank, visibly distressed and crying.
Omaha Fire Battalion Chief Coby Werner stated that the girl, who was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, informed emergency responders that she was related to the three others who were still missing.
The missing individuals have been identified as 18-year-old Laiana Green, 18-year-old Lah K. Tray Moo, and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo.
Authorities have not released information suggesting that any of the girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
What began as a rescue operation on Tuesday evening has now transitioned into a recovery mission, as confirmed by Omaha Fire and Rescue on Wednesday morning.
The water temperature in the Missouri River, currently around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, poses a serious risk by potentially delaying the resurfacing of individuals, officials noted.
Search crews were forced to suspend operations around sunset on Tuesday due to low visibility and safety concerns.
The recovery effort resumed early Wednesday morning with a more coordinated strategy—agencies were assigned designated areas along the river to search individually to maximize coverage.
Despite some promising signals throughout the day, those sightings were ultimately determined to be debris.
Emergency services have expanded their search zone and plan to continue efforts into the weekend, moving further downstream. Specialized equipment, including sonar technology, drones, and aerial surveillance from a police helicopter, is being utilized to aid in locating the missing girls.
As of Wednesday evening, eight boats and four responding agencies were actively involved in the search, including Omaha Fire Department, Bennington Fire Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The Missouri River is extremely hazardous, especially at night,” said Battalion Chief Werner. “There’s a strong current, submerged debris, and poor visibility. Earlier today, we saw a large tree float past, which shows how dangerous this environment is for our crews.”
Authorities are requesting the public to avoid the river while recovery operations continue and urge community members to keep the families of the missing girls in their thoughts.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Omaha Fire. “But we remain committed to bringing closure to these families. Our teams will be out here at first light every day until this mission is complete.”