Middlebury College and the surrounding Vermont community are mourning the loss of student Lia Smith, whose disappearance earlier this month sparked widespread concern and an urgent search effort. Authorities have now confirmed that Smith, just 21 years old, has died.
The young collegiate athlete was last seen on campus on Friday, October 17. When her father had not heard from her and could not reach her, he reported her missing to police on Sunday, October 19. What followed was a tense and emotional search that stretched across several days and brought together multiple agencies and volunteers.
Police officers, campus security, and community members worked tirelessly to locate the missing student. Drones were sent into the air to scan large areas from above, while teams on the ground moved through campus facilities, open fields, and wooded regions surrounding Middlebury College. The search expanded significantly on Wednesday, October 22, involving the Middlebury Fire Department, the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
But on Thursday, October 23, the search ended with tragic news. Shortly after 1:30 p.m., a body was discovered in a field near The Knoll, Middlebury College’s organic farm. Authorities soon confirmed it was the body of Lia Smith.
Early findings from investigators showed no evidence of foul play. A press release issued by the Vermont Police Department later confirmed the ruling from the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office: Smith died by suicide. The announcement has devastated those who knew her, both on campus and beyond.
Middlebury College President Ian Baucom publicly expressed the heartbreak felt across the institution. He noted that he had personally spoken with Lia’s family to offer condolences on behalf of the college.
“This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure,” Baucom wrote in a statement. “As president, and far more as a fellow parent, I ache for them.”
He went on to acknowledge the outpouring of care from students, faculty, and staff in the days since Smith was reported missing. Counseling services and campus support have been made available to grieving classmates.
Baucom also honored Lia’s interests and accomplishments, painting a picture of a vibrant young woman who left a strong impression on many people. She was a valued member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team and had been active in campus organizations such as the Chess Club and the Japanese Club. She was also a passionate advocate for transgender rights and inclusion. Academically, she excelled in her studies and was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics, with plans to graduate in May 2026.
“She was a gift to us,” Baucom wrote, “and we are so grateful that she was — and will always remain — a member of our Middlebury family.”
Smith joined the Women’s Swimming and Diving team when she arrived at Middlebury in 2022. Her coaches and teammates remember her as hardworking, focused, and supportive of those around her. In December of that same year, she took first place in both the one meter and three meter diving competitions during a major college meet, showcasing the dedication she poured into her sport.
The news of her death has left classmates and teammates heartbroken. Social media has filled with messages honoring her humor, her intelligence, her compassion, and the energy she brought into every room she entered.
While police have closed the missing person investigation, the college community continues to grapple with the sorrow of losing someone so young and full of promise. Many have gathered to comfort one another and pay tribute to the bright future Lia should have had.
Her family is asking for privacy as they process the loss of their daughter, while Middlebury College is encouraging students to reach out for help if they are struggling with grief or mental health burdens.
The loss of Lia Smith has left a deep impact, serving as a painful reminder of the importance of community, care, and mental health support. The campus hopes to honor her memory by continuing the values she lived by: kindness, courage, and the willingness to stand up for others.