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 #1Were any personal items recovered from the water, such as his wedding ring, masonic ring, gun, or waders?
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location
Lead #2Has the Delta River area been systematically searched for remains or personal effects?
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clue
Lead #3Were there other hunters or witnesses present in the area who could provide details about the levee breach and capsizing?
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, Harold was never recovered from the Delta River waters. The case remains unsolved, with questions about whether he survived the capsizing or if his remains were ever located.
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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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timeline
Lead #4What was the exact time of the incident and when was Harold first reported missing?
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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 capsizes 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.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 18, 1980
Last Updated:May 28, 2026
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Phone: 9168745115
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Case Information
Incident:January 18, 1980
Last Updated:May 28, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9168745115
You can remain anonymous