Body Found in Search for Missing Vermont College Student Lia Smith

Body Found in Search for Missing Vermont College Student Lia Smith, 21

A body has been discovered in the search for missing Vermont college student Lia Smith, as reported by police on Thursday. Lia Smith, a student at Middlebury College, was reported missing on October 19th, two days after she was last seen on campus. The body was found in a field west of the Middlebury College campus, where Lia was a student, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time by members of the Vermont State Police and Rescue Team, announced the Middlebury Police Department in a statement. The location of the remains was Cornwall, Vt., near the college’s organic farm known as The Knoll.

Following the discovery, the Vermont State Police initiated a death investigation, with plans for the body to be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, Vt., for an autopsy to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death. The autopsy is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24, as stated by the police, who currently do not suspect any foul play. Middlebury College President Ian Baucom expressed his sadness over the news and assured the community of support during this distressing time, promising to share information as it unfolds. He conveyed his sympathy for Lia’s family and friends, urging everyone to take care of themselves and one another.

The Middlebury Police Department officially declared Lia Smith missing on October 19, after receiving the report earlier that day, disclosing that Lia was last seen on campus on October 17 around 9 p.m. Her father, upon being unable to contact her, filed the missing persons report, according to The Middlebury Campus. Lia Smith, originally from California, was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics at Middlebury College, where she was also a member of the women’s swimming and diving team. Described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing around 160 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes, Lia’s disappearance led to a collaborative search effort involving Middlebury students alongside local authorities.

Senior Lucy Schembre highlighted the tight-knit community at Middlebury, expressing the impact of a familiar face suddenly missing. The profound loss of a promising young student has left a somber atmosphere on campus, with many grappling with the sudden turn of events. The sentiment among students underscores the importance of supporting one another amid the shock and grief.

Efforts to locate Lia Smith and the subsequent discovery of her body have deeply affected those connected to the Middlebury College community. The heartfelt reaction from President Ian Baucom and the collaborative search demonstrate a unified response to such a tragic event. As more details unfold from the ongoing investigation, the memories of Lia Smith and the impact of her presence at Middlebury College will undoubtedly resonate within the community for a considerable time.

The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Lia Smith serve as a poignant reminder of the uncertainties in life and the importance of coming together in times of adversity. The coming days will likely involve further revelations as authorities continue their inquiries. The support and solidarity displayed by the Middlebury College community reflect a collective effort to navigate this challenging chapter and honour the memory of Lia Smith.

Please note that anyone with information regarding Lia Smith can contact the Middlebury Police Department at 802-388-3191 or submit tips online at www.middleburypolice.org. Additionally, the Vermont State Police tip line is available at 844-848-8477 for those who may have pertinent information to contribute to the investigation.

As the community mourns the loss of Lia Smith and seeks closure through the investigative process, the impact of this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the significance of supporting one another in times of need.

The incident has sparked discussions surrounding campus safety and support systems for students facing challenging circumstances. While the official investigation continues, the Middlebury College community remains united in remembrance of Lia Smith and in providing comfort to those affected by the loss.

In conclusion, the discovery of Lia Smith’s body marks a sombre turn of events in the search for the missing Vermont college student. The heartfelt response from the college community underscores the profound impact of her absence and the resilience displayed in times of adversity. As the investigation progresses, the memory of Lia Smith will endure as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and solidarity in facing unforeseen challenges.