1974 Drowning Victim's Remains Identified in Lake Mead

Human remains found at Lake Mead in October 2020 have been identified as those of Donald P. Smith, a North Las Vegas man who drowned in 1974. The identification was based on DNA analysis and reports from the original incident. Four sets of remains, including Smith’s, were found at the lake last year amid historically low water levels. The coroner’s office continues to attempt to identify the other remains found, but DNA and other forms of identification can be greatly affected by time and environmental conditions.