Middlebury College Student Lia Smith, 21, Dies by Suicide

URGENT UPDATE: A tragic development in the case of missing 21-year-old transgender student Lia Smith, who was reported missing on October 19. Authorities in Vermont confirmed her death by suicide following an autopsy conducted by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. The announcement was made late Friday after her body was discovered in a field west of Middlebury.

Smith, a former student-athlete at Middlebury College, was last seen on campus two days before her disappearance. Authorities found her body on Thursday during an extensive search operation near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm, located in Cornwall. Vermont State Police confirmed Smith’s identity and the cause of death in a statement released Friday, stating that “no additional details are available about this case.”

In a heartfelt message, Middlebury College President Ian Baucom expressed deep sorrow over the news. He stated, “This is incredibly saddening news, and we are working to support our community in every way we can at this difficult time.” He urged students to take care of themselves and one another as the community mourns Smith’s loss.

Counseling services were made available to students starting on Monday, with the college emphasizing their commitment to student well-being. Earlier this week, university officials had stated, “We will do everything we can to find Lia. She is a beloved member of our Middlebury family.”

Smith, who double majored in statistics and computer science, was known for her active involvement in campus life, including participation in the women’s swimming and diving team and the Queers & Allies group. In a February panel discussion, she highlighted the importance of community support for transgender students, saying, “Know that there are people in your community that are here for you and care about you.”

The search efforts for Smith involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including K-9 teams and drones, as well as dedicated campus staff. Over 600 Middlebury students joined an online group to share updates and support the search.

The emotional impact of Smith’s disappearance resonated throughout the small college community. Senior Lucy Schembre remarked, “We’re a really small community. Even if you don’t know someone personally, you definitely know somebody who knows them. It’s very jarring for somebody who’s supposed to be here to not be here.”

Authorities have not commented on whether Smith’s gender identity played a role in her disappearance. A recent study revealed that 42 percent of transgender adults in the U.S. have attempted suicide, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support within the community.

As the Middlebury community grapples with this tragic loss, officials are focusing on providing the necessary support and resources for students during this difficult time. The college urges anyone in need of help to reach out to counseling services immediately.

This developing story underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and community support for marginalized groups. Further updates are expected as the community continues to process this heartbreaking event.