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
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.