John Clark, Jeffrey Little Obituary, Death: Mississippi man dies in multi-boat crash at Alabama fishing tournament.

John Clark, Jeffrey Little Obituary, Death – A tragic boating accident during a Major League Fishing tournament in Alabama has left three men dead, including one from Mississippi. The fatal crash occurred early Wednesday morning, April 16, on Lewis Smith Lake, a popular reservoir in northern Alabama, and has led to the cancellation of the remainder of the tournament.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the incident involved two boats, one of which was a Center Console vessel. Onboard that boat were 44-year-old John Clark of Cullman, Alabama, and 62-year-old Jeffrey Little of Brandon, Mississippi. Authorities say both men were thrown overboard when the boats collided near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake.

Tragically, both Clark and Little drowned as a result of being ejected into the water. Their bodies were later recovered by search teams responding to the scene. ALEA also identified a third victim of the crash: 58-year-old Joey Broom. Officials have not specified whether Broom was on the same boat as Clark and Little or on the second vessel involved in the crash, but it has been confirmed that he also died as a result of the collision.

The crash occurred around 7:00 a.m., shortly after the start of the day’s tournament events. Multiple emergency response teams, including dive teams and local fire departments, quickly mobilized to search the area and recover the victims. The scene around Miller Flats remained active for several hours as investigators worked to piece together what happened.

The Cullman County Emergency Management Agency confirmed that the accident occurred on the second day of the fishing tournament. The tournament director later announced that the remainder of the event had been canceled in light of the tragedy, stating that continuing the competition would be inappropriate under the circumstances.

Lewis Smith Lake, known locally as Smith Lake, is a well-known fishing and recreational destination. The tournament was part of a scheduled multi-day Major League Fishing event that had drawn anglers from across the region. The accident has cast a somber shadow over the tournament community, with many expressing shock and sorrow at the loss of life.

So far, authorities have not released details about how the collision occurred, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing. It’s unclear if weather, speed, visibility, or other factors contributed to the boats colliding. However, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division, along with other local agencies, is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.

The boating community in Alabama and beyond has been deeply affected by the news. Fellow competitors and local residents have been offering condolences to the families of the victims. The loss of three lives in what was supposed to be a celebratory sporting event has prompted calls for increased awareness and caution during large-scale water activities.

John Clark, one of the victims, was a resident of Cullman and well-known in the local community. Jeffrey Little, of Brandon, Mississippi, was identified as the out-of-state participant who died in the crash. Both men were seasoned fishermen, and their deaths have resonated with those who knew them personally or through the fishing circuit. Joey Broom, the third victim, has also been remembered as a respected member of the community.

In the aftermath of the incident, organizers and safety officials have stressed the importance of reviewing boating safety protocols, especially during competitive events where multiple vessels are active at once. The tournament, like others of its kind, likely had safety measures in place, but the crash has underscored the potential for tragic accidents even under controlled conditions.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to gather witness statements and examine evidence to determine exactly how and why the crash occurred. More details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left grieving the sudden loss of their loved ones. Tributes and messages of support have poured in from fellow anglers, friends, and community members. Funeral arrangements and memorial services are expected to be announced in the coming days.

For now, the community surrounding Smith Lake is united in mourning, and the tragic accident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that can arise, even in the midst of a recreational event. The canceled tournament will likely be remembered not for the competition itself, but for the lives lost on what began as an ordinary day of fishing.

As the investigation continues, ALEA and local authorities have urged boaters and event organizers alike to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times. The legacy of John Clark, Jeffrey Little, and Joey Broom will live on not only through the memories of those who knew them, but also in renewed efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.