KALMAN, Alabama — The three people were killed in a crash at Wednesday’s fishing tournament in Alabama, officials said.
Major League Fishing said in a statement that a boat accident occurred on the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational, held at Lake Lewis Smith, a popular recreational destination about 70 miles north of Birmingham.
Alabama law enforcement investigating the crash said a bus fishing vessel struck a center console-type vessel early Wednesday morning. Three people were killed on board the boat.
Neither state agency nor major league fishing released any information on what led to the crash. Major League Fishing said in a statement that its competitor Flint Davis was involved.
The state agency said Joey M. Bloom, 58, of Altoona, was fatally injured in the collision. John K. Clark, 44, of Kalman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, were thrown overboard and drowned.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, vice president and general manager of fisheries for the Major League, in a statement. “Our deepest pathos is directed at the family and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
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The organization has cancelled the third and final days of the competition scheduled for Thursday. Professional anglers had won the top prize of up to $115,000.
