Authorities have confirmed the tragic discovery of a body in the search for Lia Smith, a Middlebury College student reported missing on October 19. Smith was last seen on campus on October 17, and her disappearance prompted an extensive search effort involving local law enforcement and community members.
On October 23, police found the remains in a field located west of the Middlebury College campus in Cornwall, near the college’s organic farm, The Knoll. The Vermont State Police announced that the body would be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy, which is set to confirm both the identity and cause of death. Officials have stated that the initial investigation does not suggest any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
Middlebury College President Ian Baucom expressed the community’s grief, stating, “This is incredibly saddening news, and we are working to support our community in every way we can at this difficult time.” He reassured students and staff that information would continue to be shared as it becomes available and emphasized the importance of caring for one another during such a distressing period.
Lia Smith, a double major in computer science and statistics from California, was actively involved in campus life, notably as a member of the women’s swimming and diving team. Described as 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, she was known within the tight-knit community of Middlebury College. Many students, including senior Lucy Schembre, highlighted the close connections within their small community, reflecting on how jarring it is to face a situation involving someone they may have seen around campus.
The Middlebury Police Department and Vermont State Police continue to encourage anyone with information related to Smith’s disappearance to come forward by contacting the appropriate authorities. The loss of a promising student has left an indelible mark on the campus, and the community is rallying together in remembrance and support.