Who Was Lia Smith? Vermont Mourns Middlebury Student Found Dead After Days of Search

Vermont State Police (VSP) discovered a woman’s body on Thursday, October 23, during ongoing search operations for missing Middlebury College student, Lia Smith.

In a press statement released the following day, VSP confirmed that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and identified the deceased as the missing 21-year-old student. The coroner’s report determined that Smith died by suicide.

According to reports, Lia’s father filed a missing person’s complaint on October 19, two days after she was last seen on the Middlebury College campus. The Middlebury Police Department (MPD) had earlier issued an alert stating:

“The Middlebury Police Department is requesting assistance in locating Lia Smith, age 21, who was reported missing earlier today. Lia is a current Middlebury College student and was last seen on campus on October 17th, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m.”

Following the report, VSP’s search and rescue team joined the efforts on October 22, responding to a formal request from MPD. The operation also received support from the FBI and the New York State Police.

Originally from Woodside, California, Smith was a graduate of Sacred Heart Preparatory School. Middlebury College President Ian Baucom described her as an exceptional student pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics.

Smith was also an athlete and a member of the college’s Women’s Swimming and Diving Team. She participated in various extracurricular groups, including the Chess and Japanese clubs, and was known as “an articulate advocate of transgender rights.”

Her athletic achievements included securing two diving titles in 2023 on the 1-meter and 3-meter boards. Despite continuing her competitions into 2025, Smith had reportedly been subjected to online bullying.

Vermont State Police and Middlebury College Confirm Smith’s Death

VSP officially confirmed on Friday that the 21-year-old student took her own life. Middlebury College President Ian Baucom addressed the tragic news, acknowledging the VSP’s confirmation and clarifying that no foul play was suspected.

“I have spoken with Lia’s family to express my 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 said in his statement.

He extended his gratitude to the Student Affairs staff, as well as to VSP, MPD, and other law enforcement agencies and volunteers involved in the search. Remembering Smith, Baucom called her “a remarkable person” and noted:

“She was a gift to us and we are so grateful that she was—and will always remain—a member of our Middlebury family. In the coming days, we will be planning opportunities for our campus community to gather and remember Lia, and we will keep you informed as those plans take shape.”

Tributes Pour In for Lia Smith

Following the college’s official statement on Facebook, hundreds of community members shared their condolences and memories of Lia Smith.

Paige Hiller, the mother of one of Smith’s teammates, recalled watching her dive:

“My daughter was a senior when Lia joined the swim and dive team as a freshman. I didn’t know Lia personally, but as a college diver myself, I always enjoyed watching Lia and her fellow divers compete.”

She added that her daughter remembered Lia for her sense of humor, writing:

“She didn’t hesitate…her wicked sense of humor, gosh she could make me laugh. I hope as your hearts begin to heal you will remember that Lia brought smiles and laughter to so many at MIDD.”

Another commenter, Sarah Fletcher, reflected on the mental health struggles Smith might have faced:

“She probably was in a great deal of pain. This is so sad. Life can be tough at times. We need to start looking out for each other. We’re all in this life together. Be kind!!”

Cidalia Nerenberg, a family friend, shared, “Lia was an amazing friend to our daughter, and an incredible human. We all adored her!! Our hearts are broken. Can’t imagine the grief her family is dealing with.”

Amy Brown wrote, “A young person who deserved so much more ☹️. Mental health is fragile and our society must do better!”

While another user, Karen Hamad, expressed, “Utterly heartbreaking…the loss of such a young and bright light will be felt by the world. No words to express the pain of her family.”

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