The Middlebury College community is mourning the tragic death of 21-year-old student Lia Smith, whose body was discovered Thursday afternoon after nearly a week of extensive searching.
Middlebury College Student Lia Smith Found; Death Ruled Apparent Suicide
According to the Vermont State Police, officers located an unidentified body around 1:30 p.m. in a field west of the Middlebury College campus, in the town of Cornwall, near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm. Authorities later confirmed that the body was that of Lia Smith, who had been reported missing on Sunday after she was last seen on campus Friday night.
Police said that Smith’s death appears to be a suicide and that there is no indication of foul play. The area was immediately secured as investigators began their work, and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Over the past week, a large-scale search effort was carried out by Vermont State Police, Middlebury Police, New York State Police, and the FBI, along with college staff, students, and community volunteers. Drones, ground teams, and canine units were deployed in an effort to locate the missing student.
Authorities had planned to hold a press briefing Thursday afternoon but canceled it shortly before it began, following the discovery.
Both police departments expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the search.
“We want to thank all the federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the college and community members, who came together to assist in locating Lia,” Vermont State Police said in a statement.
Middlebury College officials described Smith as a bright and compassionate student whose presence will be deeply missed on campus. In an email to students and faculty, the college offered condolences to her family and encouraged students to access counseling and mental health resources during this difficult time.
This tragedy has left the Middlebury community reeling, with many students gathering for vigils and moments of reflection.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, depression, or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Lia Smith’s memory will be honored by those who knew her best — as a kind, intelligent, and creative young woman whose life touched many, even in her short time at Middlebury.
