Details of Disappearance
Smith worked out with his father at The Lodge at Ponte Vedra Beach in Ponte Vedra, Florida on November 4, 2000, which was his 23rd birthday. Smith attended a movie and had dinner later during the day at the Tinsel Town complex. He was employed at Lulu's Restaurant on Roscoe Road and worked his evening shift as scheduled. Smith's younger brother dropped off a birthday gift of $60 during the evening.
Smith parked his 1994 Ford Ranger in the 600 block of Ponte Vedra Boulevard shortly after his shift ended. He was last seen walking through the lobby of The Lodge at Ponte Vedra Beach near his vehicle at approximately 8:30 PM. His relatives were members of the club at the time. Smith has never been heard from again. He was wearing brown baggy shorts, a dark-colored t-shirt and white Tommy Hilfiger tennis shoes at the time of his disappearance.
Smith's family reported him as a missing person to authorities when he failed to return to their residence on Greencrest Drive that night. Authorities initiated a search for Smith at approximately 6:00 AM on November 5, the morning after his disappearance. Smith's father located his son's vehicle in its parking place near The Lodge. The truck was locked and Smith's wallet and cash were inside the Ford Ranger. There was no sign of foul play at the scene. Smith's shoes were discovered on the beach approximately 20 feet from The Lodge. Search dogs traced his scent one-half mile from the location of his shoes down the beach, but no additional evidence was uncovered. Authorities told his loved ones that evidence would have washed ashore if Smith drowned in the area, but nothing was located.
Smith's family members said it is extremely uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. His case remains unsolved.
Smith played soccer in college. He cut his hair in preparation for a new job when he moved back into his family's Marsh Landing, Florida residence in 2000. Smith attended Flager College in St. Augustine, Florida for over two years. He resided in the school's dormitory for one year and later moved into an apartment on Anastasia Island. Smith decided to change his major to coaching in 2000 and left Flager College in the spring.