Missing student Lia Smith, 21, foun

Middlebury College Confirms Death of Student Lia Smith

The search for Lia Smith, a 21-year-old Middlebury College student, ended tragically

when police confirmed that a body found near campus on October 23 was hers.

Smith had been reported missing by her father on October 19, prompting a

large-scale search involving drones, local fire departments, and state rescue teams.

Authorities said the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a suicide, with no signs of foul play.

Middlebury College President Ian Baucom expressed deep sorrow, saying,

“I have spoken with Lia’s family to express my heartbreak…

This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure.”

He praised staff and students for their compassion and support during the tragedy.

Smith was a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, a member of the Chess and Japanese clubs, and an advocate for transgender rights. Baucom called her “a gift to us… and always a member of our Middlebury family.”