Smith Lake Boat Crash: New Lawsuit Alleges Major League Fishing Negligence

The tragic boat crash on Smith Lake in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals, continues to reverberate through the legal system. A new wrongful death lawsuit has been filed, alleging negligence on the part of Major League Fishing (MLF) and raising serious questions about safety protocols in competitive fishing tournaments. This lawsuit, filed by the widow of one of the victims, Jeffrey Little, casts a spotlight on the potential liability of organizations that promote high-speed competition on public waterways.

The Smith Lake Tragedy: A Recap

On April 16, 2025, a boat collision occurred on Lewis Smith Lake during the second day of the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The crash involved a Nitro bass boat, operated by tournament angler Flint Davis, and a center-console boat carrying Joey M. Broom, John K. Clark, and Jeffrey C. Little. All three men aboard the center-console boat died as a result of the collision. The incident prompted MLF to cancel the remainder of the tournament, sending shockwaves through the fishing community.

New Lawsuit Alleges Negligence

Lisa Little, the widow of Jeffrey Little, recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Cullman County Circuit Court, naming Major League Fishing LLC, its president Boyd Duckett, Flint Davis, and Gary Holcombe (of Smith Lake Striper Guide Service) as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that MLF fostered a tournament environment that incentivized high-speed travel in congested waters without adequate safety protocols. It further claims that Davis was operating his boat at a high rate of speed and may have lacked a valid boating license and the required Alabama non-resident boater safety certification.

Specifically, the lawsuit claims that MLF:

Knowingly created a culture that encouraged reckless operation of vessels.
Ignored the dangers of unregulated speeds in its tournaments.
Adopted lax safety standards, including failing to ensure participants had proper licenses and safety certifications.
Failed to have a boating safety plan in place for the tournament.
Failed to consult with local law enforcement or boating experts to develop a safe boating plan.
Should have placed restrictions on boat horsepower and limited the number of console electronics that might obstruct a driver’s view.

The suit seeks unspecified damages and claims that MLF’s actions “encouraged, incentivized, and caused Defendant Flint Davis to negligently, recklessly and wantonly operate his fishing vessel in a manner which resulted in Jeffrey Clayton Little’s death.”

Legal Concepts at Play

This case brings several important legal concepts into focus:

Negligence: The lawsuit alleges that MLF was negligent in its duty to ensure the safety of participants and the public during the tournament. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate that MLF owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the damages.
Wrongful Death: This type of lawsuit is brought by the family of a deceased person when their death is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party.
Punitive Damages: The lawsuit seeks punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Maritime Law: Boating accidents can fall under the jurisdiction of maritime law, which is a complex body of law that governs activities on navigable waters.
Duty of Care: This refers to a legal obligation to avoid acts or omissions that could reasonably be foreseen to cause injury to another person. In the context of a sporting event, organizers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

MLF’s Response and Potential Defenses

Major League Fishing has denied wrongdoing in connection with the Smith Lake boat crash. In a previous statement, MLF expressed condolences to the families of the victims and asserted that participant safety is a top priority. It is likely that MLF will argue that it took reasonable steps to ensure safety and that the accident was the result of unforeseen circumstances or the negligence of the boat operators involved.

MLF has also filed a cross-claim against Flint Davis, arguing that he signed a participant waiver that includes an indemnity clause. This clause, according to MLF, requires Davis to assume financial responsibility for any damages resulting from his negligence.

Alabama Boating Laws and Regulations

Alabama has specific boating laws and regulations in place to promote safety on the water. These laws cover a range of topics, including:

Boater Education: Any person operating a motorized boat on Alabama waters must obtain an Alabama Boater Safety Certification. Non-residents 14 years of age or older may legally operate a boat on Alabama’s waterways for up to 45 days per year, after which time they are required to obtain their Boater Safety Certification.
Age Restrictions: There are age restrictions for operating a boat in Alabama. For example, those 12 and 13 years of age may obtain a boater safety certification, but must be supervised during operation. The supervisor must be 21 years of age or older, have obtained their Boater Safety Certification, and be seated in a position to take immediate control of the boat, if required. Any person 14 years of age or older may operate any boat (including a PWC) without supervision so long as they have obtained their Boater Safety Certification and are carrying the certification during operation.
Life Jackets: Alabama law requires all children under 8 years old on a boat to wear a life jacket. Additionally, a wearable PFD (personal floatation device) is required for each person on board.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI): It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Alabama. A person is considered to be under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher.
Rules of the Road: Alabama has specific rules of the road for boating, including guidelines for passing, overtaking, and yielding the right-of-way.
Vessel Registration: All persons who operate a motorized boat on Alabama waters need to obtain an Alabama Vessel License.

The Importance of Boating Safety

The Smith Lake boat crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety. Negligence, recklessness, and failure to adhere to safety regulations can have devastating consequences. Whether you are participating in a fishing tournament or enjoying a leisurely day on the lake, it is crucial to prioritize safety and be aware of the risks involved.

What to Do After a Boating Accident

If you are involved in a boating accident, it is important to take the following steps:

Stop the boat and check for injuries.
Call the Coast Guard or local authorities for help.
Move the vessel to a safe location, if possible.
Exchange information with the other boat operator(s).
Document the accident scene.
Seek medical attention for any injuries.
Contact a qualified boating accident attorney.

Navigating the Legal Waters

Boating accident cases can be complex, involving a mix of state and federal laws. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, it is essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one has been affected by a boating accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance. Contact our firm today for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.