Middlebury College Student Lia Smith Confirmed Dead
Lia Smith, a 21-year-old Middlebury College student missing since October 17, has been confirmed dead. Her father reported her missing on October 19, and after a large-scale search involving multiple agencies, a body was found near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm, on October 23.
The Vermont Police Department confirmed the body was Smith’s and said the medical examiner determined she died by suicide. Authorities found no signs of foul play.
Middlebury President Ian Baucom expressed heartbreak, saying, “This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure.” He praised staff for their support of Smith’s family and friends.
Smith, a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team and member of the Chess and Japanese clubs, was a double major in computer science and statistics. She was also an advocate for transgender rights and was set to graduate in May 2026.