Tragic End for Missing Middlebury Student Lia Smith Confirmed

Vermont authorities have confirmed the tragic death of 21-year-old Middlebury College student Lia Smith, whose body was found near the campus after being reported missing.

Confirmation of Identity and Manner of Death

A body discovered near Middlebury College has been officially identified as Lia Smith, a student who was reported missing earlier this month. The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Smith died by suicide, according to a press release shared by the Vermont Police Department (VPD).

The confirmation follows a distressing period that began when Smith was last seen on campus two days before her father reported her missing on October 19. The Vermont State Police found her body on October 23.

Campus Reaction

Middlebury College President Ian Baucom addressed the campus community in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing he had spoken with Smith’s family. \\”As president, and far more as a fellow parent, I ache for them. This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure,\\” Baucom stated.

\\”As we mourn, I want to express my deep appreciation for the efforts of our Student Affairs staff who have been offering such compassionate support to Lia’s family, friends, and students across our community. We will continue to support them in every way possible,\\” Baucom added.

Ian Baucom, Middlebury College President

Smith, who hailed from Woodside, California, was remembered as a \\”remarkable person.\\” She actively participated in college life as a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, a member of the Chess and Japanese clubs, and a staunch advocate for transgender rights.

A Beloved Student

Her academic pursuits reflected her broad interests, as she was double majoring in computer science and statistics. \\”She was a gift to us, and we are so grateful that she was — and will always remain — a member of our Middlebury family,\\” Baucom affirmed.

Community Efforts and Response

Authorities, aided by Middlebury students, had been searching tirelessly in areas near the college, including the college’s organic farm in Cornwall, Vermont. \\”We’re a really small community,\\” said Lucy Schembre, a senior involved in the search efforts. \\”Even if you don’t know someone personally, you definitely know somebody who knows them, and you’ve definitely seen them around. It’s very jarring for somebody who’s supposed to be here, to not be here.\\”

Support Resources Available

The news resonates deeply through Middlebury’s tightly-knit community, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources and support networks. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or substance use problems, assistance is available at any time. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.

Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.