The person at the center of this case
Harold Ernest Smith
Missing Person · Open
46 years waiting · since 1980
Missing Person: Harold Ernest Smith
Justice for Harold Ernest Smith — the trail went cold in 1980, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Was any wreckage or personal items recovered from the capsized boat or surrounding water?
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witness
Lead #2Were there other hunters or witnesses present in the area who could describe the levee breach and capsizing?
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clue
Lead #3His wedding ring and possible masonic ring with ruby were distinctive items that could aid identification if remains are discovered.
Harold Ernest Smith, a 44-year-old man, went missing on January 18, 1980, while duck hunting in Frank's Tract, Contra Costa County, California, when his boat capsized during a levee breach on the Delta River. Despite search efforts, his fate remains unknown nearly 46 years later. Anyone with information about his disappearance or remains is urged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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location
Lead #4Have systematic searches of the Delta River and surrounding levee areas been conducted since 1980?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP50531. Missing person: Harold Ernest Smith.
Last known contact: 1980-01-18 in Frank's Tract, Contra Costa, CA. Circumstances: Harold was duck hunting in the Frank's Tract area of Contra Costa County on the Delta River.
A levee breached and the boat capsized. Demographics: 44 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 180 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown. Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Gun, duck calls.; Clothing: Camo type clothing, most likely waders.; Jewelry: Wedding ring on left hand, possible masonic ring with ruby on right hand..
Investigating agency: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office | 18-199648.
Timeline of Events
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1980-01-18
Boat capsized during duck hunting
Harold Ernest Smith was duck hunting in Frank's Tract area of Contra Costa County on the Delta River when a levee breached and his boat capsized.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 18, 1980
Last Updated:September 29, 2026
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Phone: 9168745115
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Case Information
Incident:January 18, 1980
Last Updated:September 29, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9168745115
You can remain anonymous