The community of Middlebury, Vermont, is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Lia Smith, a dedicated student and athlete whose disappearance earlier this month ended in tragedy. Smith, a junior at Middlebury College, was last seen on campus on Friday, October 17, and was reported missing two days later by her father after multiple attempts to reach her went unanswered.
The search for the missing student began immediately, mobilizing a large-scale effort that united state, local, and volunteer responders. Police officers, firefighters, and members of the public searched the college grounds, surrounding trails, and wooded areas for days. Drones and K9 teams worked alongside ground crews as the search perimeter widened to include rural properties near campus.
By Wednesday, October 22, the operation intensified with additional support from the Middlebury Fire Department, Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Despite the exhaustive search, hopes were shattered the following afternoon when a body was discovered around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, in a field adjacent to The Knoll, the college’s organic farm.
Authorities soon confirmed that the remains belonged to Lia Smith. Investigators initially found no evidence of foul play, and an autopsy later provided heartbreaking clarity. The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the cause of death was suicide.
The announcement sent waves of grief through the college community and beyond. Middlebury College President Ian Baucom issued a public statement expressing sorrow and solidarity with Lia’s family.
“I have spoken with Lia’s family to express my heartbreak,” Baucom wrote. “As president, and even more as a fellow parent, I ache for them. This is a profound loss that no one should ever have to endure.”
As the college and law enforcement confirmed the devastating news, students and faculty gathered to support one another, remembering Lia not only for her academic and athletic achievements but also for her compassion and advocacy.