The person at the center of this case
Harold Ernest Smith
Missing Person · Unsolved
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 Harold wearing a life jacket or flotation device at the time of the capsizing?
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witness
Lead #2Were there other hunters or witnesses present in the area who could describe the exact circumstances of the levee breach?
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clue
Lead #3Why was his body never recovered despite search efforts in the Delta River area?
Harold Ernest Smith, a 44-year-old duck hunter, went missing on January 18, 1980, when his boat capsized during a levee breach in Frank's Tract, Contra Costa County, California. Despite search efforts, his body was never recovered from the Delta River area. The case remains unsolved, with questions about whether he survived the capsizing or was swept away by the water.
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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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person
Lead #4Did Harold have any swimming ability or survival training that might have affected his chances?
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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's boat capsized in Frank's Tract area of the Delta River when a levee breached while he was duck hunting. He was wearing camo clothing and waders.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 18, 1980
Last Updated:June 2, 2026
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Phone: 9168745115
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Case Information
Incident:January 18, 1980
Last Updated:June 2, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9168745115
You can remain anonymous