Body Found During Search for Missing Middlebury College Student Lia Smith

CORNWALL, Vt. — Authorities discovered a body on Thursday afternoon while searching for missing Middlebury College student Lia Smith. The Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team found the body around 1:30 p.m. in a field near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm located in Cornwall.

Police have not confirmed the identity of the body yet, but an initial investigation shows no signs of foul play, according to the Middlebury Police Department. The search for Smith began after she was reported missing on Sunday, a few days after being last seen on campus on Oct. 7.

“I understand that this is extraordinarily difficult news to receive as we continue to hold Lia and all her family and friends tight in our hearts,” said Middlebury College President Ian Baucom in a statement. He urged the community to take care of each other during this difficult time.

The body will undergo an autopsy at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, scheduled for Oct. 24, to determine the cause of death and confirm the identity.

Officials had previously utilized drones and ground searches involving multiple agencies, including the Vermont and New York State Police, as they sought to locate Smith. According to reports, she is a 21-year-old senior majoring in computer science and statistics and was also a former member of the college’s women’s swimming and diving team.

This tragedy has sparked an outpouring of support from the college community and beyond, reflecting on the importance of mental health and support systems during crises.