Search Continues For Birmingham Teacher Missing At Smith Lake

WINSTON COUNTY, AL — The search for a 26-year-old Birmingham woman who was involved in a boating accident on Smith Lake is on its fourth day, with no results. Kelsey Starling, a teacher at Birmingham's Tuggle Elementary School, disappeared July 4 after a boat in which she was a passenger collided with another boat at approximately 10 p.m.

A report by Alabama Media Group said Starling was a passenger in a 2012 Mastercraft wakeboard boat driven by 23-year-old William Jackson Fite of Decatur. Fite was booked into the Winston County Jail early Friday on a charge of boating under the influence.

Four other passengers on the Mastercraft were transported for medical attention by emergency responders, said Marine Patrol Sgt. Chad Pate. One person was injured on the second vessel, a 2011 Harris Flotebote pontoon boat operated by 50-year-old Jodi Wallace Suggs of Decatur.

Haleyville Search and Rescue, Winston County EMA, ALEA Aviation and ALEA Marine Patrol participated in Sunday’s search efforts. Crews were back on scene and searching Monday morning.

This story will be updated as more information is available.