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
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.