John K. Clark dies in fatal Lewis Smith Lake boat crash

John K. Clark dies in fatal Lewis Smith Lake boat crash

Fatal Lewis Smith Lake boat crash death of John K. Clark – Obituary

John K. Clark, a 44-year-old man from Cullman, Alabama, lost his life in a tragic boating collision during the Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational held on Lewis Smith Lake. The accident happened early Wednesday morning and led officials to cancel the final day of the tournament.

According to reports, the crash occurred around 7 a.m. when a Nitro bass boat, operated by tournament angler Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia, struck a center console vessel. Clark was one of three men aboard the center console boat. He, along with Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, and Joey M. Broom, 58, of Altoona, Alabama, died as a result of the impact. Two victims drowned after being thrown into the water, while the third passed away due to traumatic injuries.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” stated MLF executive vice president Kathy Fennel, who extended condolences to the victims’ loved ones.

Clark’s passing, along with the others, has sent shockwaves through both the fishing community and his hometown. The tournament, which began on Sunday and featured a top prize of $115,000, was halted in response to the tragedy.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division. No further updates have been released.

Clark is remembered by friends and family as a devoted outdoorsman whose love for the water was matched only by his warmth and character. His untimely death is a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of boating, even in professional settings.