A Georgia man was formally charged this Thursday in Cullman County, Alabama, for a tragic accident that occurred in April that left three dead and two injured on Lewis Smith Lake.

Flint Andrew Davis, 22, Leesburg, Georgia, resident, faces three counts of reckless homicide and two counts of first-degree assault, all felonies. He was also charged with three misdemeanors, including reckless operation of a vessel, failure to comply with boating regulations, and boating without a boating safety certification.

The accident and its aftermath

The accident occurred during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational, a bass fishing tournament hosted by Major League Fishing. According to authorities, Davis was traveling at 67 mph (108 km/h) when his boat collided with another vessel and became airborne.

Joey M. Broom, 58, was seriously injured and died, while John K. Clark, 44, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, were thrown overboard and drowned. Two other men were seriously injured.

Investigations and Official Statements

Alabama Marine Patrol Chief Matt Brooks stated that the speed of the vessel was not a factor in the accident. “The collision was due to the operator's inattention, distraction, and lack of vigilance,” he said.

Investigators confirmed that Davis did not see the other vessel and did not have the required license to operate a motorized vessel in either Georgia or Alabama.

Davis' attorney, Tommy Spina, said his client's “deepest remorse and contrition” to the families of the victims and those injured.

Spina clarified that Davis was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and that he “simply did not see the other vessel until the moment of impact.” He added that the details of the case will be addressed in court and not in the media.

Legal and Civil Repercussions

Davis remains free on bail following his arrest. Multiple civil lawsuits alleging wrongful death have been filed,and the accident has sparked debate about the need for stricter legislation for fishing and boating tournaments in Alabama.

The grand jury recommended requiring boating licenses and promoting stricter safety measures at all fishing tournaments to prevent future tragedies.