Lia Smith, the 21-year-old Middlebury College student who was reported missing earlier this month, has been formally confirmed deceased, according to authorities in Vermont. Smith, a junior at Middlebury, was last seen on campus on Friday, October 17. Her father reported her missing two days later, on Sunday, October 19, after he was unable to reach her and grew increasingly concerned for her safety. In a press release, the Vermont State Police confirmed that a body discovered near the Middlebury College campus on Thursday, October 23, has been identified as that of Lia Smith.
The discovery brought an end to an intensive, days-long search that involved multiple local and state agencies. Authorities reported that the search began soon after Smith’s disappearance was reported. Police officers, firefighters, and volunteers combed the college grounds and nearby wooded areas. Drones and K9 units were deployed, and the search perimeter was gradually expanded to include surrounding forests and rural properties near the campus.
By Wednesday, October 22, the operation had intensified. Personnel from the Middlebury Fire Department, the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection joined forces to assist in the effort. Tragically, the following afternoon—Thursday, October 23—search teams discovered a body in a field adjacent to The Knoll, Middlebury College’s organic farm, at approximately 1:30 p.m. The remains were soon identified as belonging to Lia Smith. Initial findings at the scene indicated no signs of foul play.
A subsequent autopsy conducted by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Smith’s death was the result of suicide. In response to the heartbreaking news, Middlebury College President Ian Baucom released a public statement expressing the college community’s profound grief and extending condolences to Smith’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.”
He went on to praise the compassion and dedication of the college staff and students who supported Smith’s loved ones during the search and after the devastating discovery. “As we mourn, I want to express my deep appreciation for the efforts of our Student Affairs staff who have been offering such compassionate support to Lia’s family, friends, and students across our community. We will continue to support them in every way possible.”
President Baucom also highlighted Smith’s many contributions to the Middlebury community, describing her as a gifted student and a kind, passionate advocate. “She was a diver on our Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, a member of our Chess and Japanese clubs, and an articulate advocate for transgender rights. Her academic interests were wide-ranging—she was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics. Lia was truly a gift to us, and we are deeply grateful that she was, and will always remain, a member of our Middlebury family.”
Smith joined Middlebury College in 2022 and quickly made an impression both academically and athletically. As a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, she earned victories in the one-meter and three-meter diving events at a December 2022 meet. Her coaches and teammates described her as talented, disciplined, and supportive—someone who inspired others through her quiet determination and kindness.
She was expected to graduate in May 2026. The news of her passing has deeply affected the Middlebury community, with many students and faculty members sharing messages of remembrance and grief online. The college has announced plans to hold a campus vigil in Lia’s memory, offering students and staff a space to mourn and celebrate her life.
May Lia Smith rest in peace.
Lia Smith, the 21-year-old Middlebury College student who was reported missing earlier this month, has been formally confirmed deceased, according to authorities in Vermont. Smith, a junior at Middlebury, was last seen on campus on Friday, October 17. Her father reported her missing two days later, on Sunday, October 19, after he was unable to reach her and grew increasingly concerned for her safety. In a press release, the Vermont State Police confirmed that a body discovered near the Middlebury College campus on Thursday, October 23, has been identified as that of Lia Smith.
The discovery brought an end to an intensive, days-long search that involved multiple local and state agencies. Authorities reported that the search began soon after Smith’s disappearance was reported. Police officers, firefighters, and volunteers combed the college grounds and nearby wooded areas. Drones and K9 units were deployed, and the search perimeter was gradually expanded to include surrounding forests and rural properties near the campus.
By Wednesday, October 22, the operation had intensified. Personnel from the Middlebury Fire Department, the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection joined forces to assist in the effort. Tragically, the following afternoon—Thursday, October 23—search teams discovered a body in a field adjacent to The Knoll, Middlebury College’s organic farm, at approximately 1:30 p.m. The remains were soon identified as belonging to Lia Smith. Initial findings at the scene indicated no signs of foul play.
A subsequent autopsy conducted by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Smith’s death was the result of suicide. In response to the heartbreaking news, Middlebury College President Ian Baucom released a public statement expressing the college community’s profound grief and extending condolences to Smith’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.”
He went on to praise the compassion and dedication of the college staff and students who supported Smith’s loved ones during the search and after the devastating discovery. “As we mourn, I want to express my deep appreciation for the efforts of our Student Affairs staff who have been offering such compassionate support to Lia’s family, friends, and students across our community. We will continue to support them in every way possible.”
President Baucom also highlighted Smith’s many contributions to the Middlebury community, describing her as a gifted student and a kind, passionate advocate. “She was a diver on our Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, a member of our Chess and Japanese clubs, and an articulate advocate for transgender rights. Her academic interests were wide-ranging—she was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics. Lia was truly a gift to us, and we are deeply grateful that she was, and will always remain, a member of our Middlebury family.”
Smith joined Middlebury College in 2022 and quickly made an impression both academically and athletically. As a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, she earned victories in the one-meter and three-meter diving events at a December 2022 meet. Her coaches and teammates described her as talented, disciplined, and supportive—someone who inspired others through her quiet determination and kindness.
She was expected to graduate in May 2026. The news of her passing has deeply affected the Middlebury community, with many students and faculty members sharing messages of remembrance and grief online. The college has announced plans to hold a campus vigil in Lia’s memory, offering students and staff a space to mourn and celebrate her life.
May Lia Smith rest in peace.
