🚨 Body Found During Search for Missing Middlebury College Student Lia Smith
The Vermont State Police have confirmed that a body was discovered Thursday afternoon during the search for missing Middlebury College student Lia Smith, 21, who had been missing since October 17.
According to police, troopers located the body around 1:30 p.m. in a field west of the college campus in Cornwall, Vermont, near The Knoll, Middlebury College’s organic farm. Investigators said that, while the body has not yet been officially identified, the death does not appear to be suspicious.
An autopsy will be conducted by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the identity and cause of death. Results are expected to be released once next of kin have been notified.
đź“Ť Disappearance and Search Efforts
Smith, a senior studying computer science and statistics from California, was last seen on campus on October 17 around 9 p.m. She was reported missing two days later when her family could not reach her. Her father filed the missing person report after speaking with her friends and realizing no one had heard from her.
Authorities launched an extensive search involving local police, the FBI, Border Patrol, and state troopers from both Vermont and New York. Drones, K9 units, and ground teams were deployed, with volunteers and students joining efforts near the Middlebury College campus and surrounding wooded areas.
Members of the Vermont State Police Victim Services Unit, who were assisting the family, were among those who found the body Thursday afternoon.
đź“Ś Description
- Name: Lia Smith
- Age: 21 years old
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Blue
- Last Seen: October 17, 2025, at Middlebury College campus
Smith was described by peers as a bright and active student who previously competed as a swimmer and diver for the college.
đź“ž How to Help
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact:
- Middlebury Police Department: 802-388-3191
- Vermont State Police: 802-388-4919
- Anonymous tips can be shared online via the Vermont State Police tip portal.
đź”— Source
👉 What You Can Do
- Share this story to help raise awareness about ongoing missing person cases.
- Offer support to friends, families, and communities affected by disappearances.
- Follow verified updates from law enforcement and media for confirmed information.
Visit CanadaMissing.ca for verified updates on missing person investigations across North America.
Subscribe to our Newsletter | Support Us on Ko-fi
Join The Conversation On Facebook
