The search for Lia Smith, a 21-year-old Middlebury College student who vanished earlier this month, has ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed that Lia, who had been missing for nearly a week, was found dead near the college grounds — a devastating conclusion that has left her family, friends, and the wider campus community in deep mourning. According to reports, Lia was reported missing by her father on Sunday, October 19, just two days after she was last seen on campus. Concern quickly spread among students and faculty as the days passed with no sign of her whereabouts.
A Massive Search Effort. Following the missing person report, the Vermont State Police launched an extensive, multi-agency search that spanned several days and involved both local and federal resources. Authorities deployed drones, K9 units, and ground search teams, combing through dense wooded areas surrounding the Middlebury campus. The search radius expanded as days went by, covering nearby trails, rivers, and rural properties. On Wednesday, October 22, efforts were significantly ramped up, bringing together multiple agencies, including the Middlebury Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team. The community also came together, with students, faculty, and volunteers assisting in the search and spreading awareness on social media in hopes of finding Lia safe.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
Tragically, the following day — Thursday, October 23, around 1:30 p.m. — a body was discovered in a field near The Knoll, an area that serves as Middlebury College’s organic farm and a popular spot for outdoor study and recreation. Authorities later confirmed that the remains belonged to Lia Smith, bringing the weeklong search to a sorrowful close.
The Vermont Police Department released a statement confirming that no evidence of foul play was found at the scene. The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office subsequently determined that Lia had died by suicide, a revelation that left the campus reeling with grief.
Community in Mourning
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, Middlebury College President Ian Baucom released an emotional statement expressing the college’s collective sorrow and compassion for Lia’s family. “I have spoken with Lia’s family to express my heartbreak,” Baucom wrote on Facebook. “As president, and far more as a fellow parent, I ache for them. This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure.” He went on to thank the college staff and community members who had worked tirelessly to support both the search efforts and the emotional well-being of students. “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.”
Remembering Lia Smith
Lia was widely admired at Middlebury — not only for her intelligence and determination but also for her kindness and activism. She was a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, a member of the Chess Club and the Japanese Club, and a passionate advocate for transgender rights. Her professors described her as “articulate, driven, and endlessly curious,” someone who brought warmth and thoughtfulness into every space she entered. Academically, Lia was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics, fields in which she excelled. Her peers recall her as a natural leader, often helping others study or encouraging new teammates at practice.
According to the college’s athletic records, Lia joined the Women’s Swimming and Diving team in 2022 and went on to win both the one-meter and three-meter diving events during a December tournament that same year — a testament to her dedication and talent. She was expected to graduate from Middlebury in May 2026, a milestone she had worked tirelessly toward.
A Lasting Legacy
In the days following her death, tributes have poured in from classmates, coaches, and friends. Many gathered at The Knoll, the site where she was found, to hold a candlelight vigil in her memory. Messages, flowers, and notes of love and remembrance continue to fill the campus, reflecting the deep impact she had on those around her. “She was a gift to us,” President Baucom wrote. “We are so grateful that she was — and will always remain — a member of our Middlebury family.”
Lia’s passing has also sparked renewed conversations about mental health awareness and the importance of emotional support for students navigating academic and personal pressures. The college has encouraged anyone struggling to seek counseling services and has emphasized that no one should face such pain alone.
Rest in Peace
Though her life was heartbreakingly short, Lia Smith’s legacy of compassion, strength, and courage continues to inspire those who knew her. She will be remembered not only as a talented student and athlete but also as a voice for inclusion and kindness within her community.
Rest in peace, Lia Smith.
Your light will forever remain in the hearts of those you touched.
The search for Lia Smith, a 21-year-old Middlebury College student who vanished earlier this month, has ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed that Lia, who had been missing for nearly a week, was found dead near the college grounds — a devastating conclusion that has left her family, friends, and the wider campus community in deep mourning. According to reports, Lia was reported missing by her father on Sunday, October 19, just two days after she was last seen on campus. Concern quickly spread among students and faculty as the days passed with no sign of her whereabouts.
A Massive Search Effort. Following the missing person report, the Vermont State Police launched an extensive, multi-agency search that spanned several days and involved both local and federal resources. Authorities deployed drones, K9 units, and ground search teams, combing through dense wooded areas surrounding the Middlebury campus. The search radius expanded as days went by, covering nearby trails, rivers, and rural properties. On Wednesday, October 22, efforts were significantly ramped up, bringing together multiple agencies, including the Middlebury Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team. The community also came together, with students, faculty, and volunteers assisting in the search and spreading awareness on social media in hopes of finding Lia safe.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
Tragically, the following day — Thursday, October 23, around 1:30 p.m. — a body was discovered in a field near The Knoll, an area that serves as Middlebury College’s organic farm and a popular spot for outdoor study and recreation. Authorities later confirmed that the remains belonged to Lia Smith, bringing the weeklong search to a sorrowful close.
The Vermont Police Department released a statement confirming that no evidence of foul play was found at the scene. The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office subsequently determined that Lia had died by suicide, a revelation that left the campus reeling with grief.
Community in Mourning
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, Middlebury College President Ian Baucom released an emotional statement expressing the college’s collective sorrow and compassion for Lia’s family. “I have spoken with Lia’s family to express my heartbreak,” Baucom wrote on Facebook. “As president, and far more as a fellow parent, I ache for them. This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure.” He went on to thank the college staff and community members who had worked tirelessly to support both the search efforts and the emotional well-being of students. “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.”
Remembering Lia Smith
Lia was widely admired at Middlebury — not only for her intelligence and determination but also for her kindness and activism. She was a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, a member of the Chess Club and the Japanese Club, and a passionate advocate for transgender rights. Her professors described her as “articulate, driven, and endlessly curious,” someone who brought warmth and thoughtfulness into every space she entered. Academically, Lia was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics, fields in which she excelled. Her peers recall her as a natural leader, often helping others study or encouraging new teammates at practice.
According to the college’s athletic records, Lia joined the Women’s Swimming and Diving team in 2022 and went on to win both the one-meter and three-meter diving events during a December tournament that same year — a testament to her dedication and talent. She was expected to graduate from Middlebury in May 2026, a milestone she had worked tirelessly toward.
A Lasting Legacy
In the days following her death, tributes have poured in from classmates, coaches, and friends. Many gathered at The Knoll, the site where she was found, to hold a candlelight vigil in her memory. Messages, flowers, and notes of love and remembrance continue to fill the campus, reflecting the deep impact she had on those around her. “She was a gift to us,” President Baucom wrote. “We are so grateful that she was — and will always remain — a member of our Middlebury family.”
Lia’s passing has also sparked renewed conversations about mental health awareness and the importance of emotional support for students navigating academic and personal pressures. The college has encouraged anyone struggling to seek counseling services and has emphasized that no one should face such pain alone.
Rest in Peace
Though her life was heartbreakingly short, Lia Smith’s legacy of compassion, strength, and courage continues to inspire those who knew her. She will be remembered not only as a talented student and athlete but also as a voice for inclusion and kindness within her community.
Rest in peace, Lia Smith.
Your light will forever remain in the hearts of those you touched.
