The professional bass fishing world took a gut punch on April 16 when a boat crash during a Major League Fishing tournament on Smith Lake killed three men and injured two others. On Oct. 3, 2025, an Alabama grand jury indicted 22-year-old pro angler Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia, on multiple charges tied to the deadly collision.
The Deadly MLF Tournament Crash
Investigators say Davis was running his Nitro bass boat at roughly 67 miles per hour on the second day of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitational back in April, when he struck a center console boat near the Rock Creek area of Lewis Smith Lake, a reservoir in north Alabama.
The impact reportedly killed 48-year-old Joey Broom of Altoona instantly, while John Clark (44) of Cullman and Jeffrey Little (62) of Brandon, Mississippi, were thrown overboard and subsequently drowned. Two other occupants of the center console, Gary Holcomb (51) of Cullman and Luke Morgan (30) of Albertville, survived the collision and were treated for serious injuries at UAB Hospital in Birmingham.
Davis, who was fishing solo, also sustained injuries as a result of the crash and was treated at Cullman Regional Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol, weather, and other boat traffic did not play a role in the collision.
Grand Jury Hands Down Flint Davis Indictment
A Cullman County grand jury indicted Davis on Oct. 3 on three counts of manslaughter and two counts each of assault, reckless operation of a vessel, failure to follow navigational rules, and operating a boat without a boater safety certification.
His bond was set at $115,000. Prosecutors said video evidence captured of the crash shows Davis traveling at a high rate of speed shortly before impact.
“There are rules of the road when it comes to the water just like there is on the highway,” Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said during a press conference. “And we want the public to understand and follow these rules and appreciate the dangers of not doing so.”
The indictment is only part of the story. Prosecutors say more charges could come once civil suits and forensic reports play out.
The families of Broom and Little have filed wrongful death lawsuits against Davis. Those civil cases are ongoing alongside the criminal proceedings.
MLF issued a brief statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and confirming that it is cooperating with investigators. The organization has not announced any disciplinary actions or policy changes related to the crash.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President, in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
The family of Joey Broom is being represented in the civil suit by attorney Hunter Garnett, who said in a 48WAFF story, "This is the first big step for the family for seeking justice. Not only in terms of the criminal case, but also the civil case. I am a bit surprised at 67 miles per hour. That’s very fast especially on the water.”
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