The Middlebury College community is grappling with a profound loss after the body of 21-year-old student Lia Smith was discovered near the campus farm. Smith had been reported missing by her father on October 19, after she was last seen on campus two days prior. An extensive, multi-agency search effort ensued, involving ground crews, drones, and specialized rescue teams, but it concluded tragically on October 23 when her body was found in a field near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm.
Authorities have confirmed that the initial investigation found no signs of foul play. The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has since determined that Smith’s death was a suicide. This conclusion has cast a pall over the campus, where Smith was known as a vibrant and multi-talented individual. The news brings a devastating end to the hopes of her family, friends, and the entire college community who had held out hope for her safe return.
In response to the tragedy, Middlebury College President Ian Baucom issued a heartfelt statement. He expressed his deep sorrow, noting that he had spoken with Smith’s family to share his heartbreak. “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 wrote. He also commended the college’s Student Affairs staff for their compassionate support of those affected by the loss.
Lia Smith was remembered by the college as a gifted student with diverse interests. She was a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, a member of the Chess and Japanese clubs, and a vocal advocate for transgender rights. Academically, she was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics and was on track to graduate in 2026. Her passing is a stark reminder of the silent struggles that can affect even the most accomplished and involved students, leaving a community to mourn a life full of promise that ended far too soon.
