Tragic Discovery in Vermont: Police Find Body Near Middlebury College Amid Search for Missing 21-Year-Old Student Lia Smith
The small, peaceful town of Middlebury, Vermont, has been shaken by heartbreak following the discovery of a body during the search for missing college student Lia Smith. The 21-year-old Middlebury College student had been reported missing earlier this week after last being seen on campus on the night of October 19. What began as a hopeful search by friends, family, and law enforcement has now turned into a devastating tragedy that has left the entire college community mourning.
Authorities confirmed that a body was found around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, in a field just west of the Middlebury College campus. The area, located near the college’s organic farm known as The Knoll, became the center of a large-scale search effort involving the Middlebury Police Department, Vermont State Police, and local rescue teams. While the identity of the body has not yet been formally confirmed, police have stated that the location and circumstances suggest it is related to the search for Lia Smith.
For the past several days, the disappearance of Lia Smith had sparked widespread concern across Vermont. Posters with her photo had been shared on social media, and the college had issued alerts urging anyone with information to come forward. Friends described Lia as a bright, kind, and deeply thoughtful young woman — someone who loved art, nature, and community. “She had this quiet confidence and a warmth that made people instantly feel comfortable,” one of her classmates said. “She always looked out for others.”
Middlebury College released a statement on Thursday evening expressing profound sadness over the discovery. “Our hearts are with Lia’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. Lia was a cherished member of our campus community, and her loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the statement read. The college also announced that counseling and support services would be made available to students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy.
Police have not released any details regarding the cause of death, noting that the investigation is still active and ongoing. The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit and the medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. For now, law enforcement is treating the case with great sensitivity, requesting that the public respect the privacy of Lia’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
Throughout the search, the Middlebury community had come together in remarkable ways — from candlelight vigils to organized search parties that scoured nearby trails, riverbanks, and wooded areas. On social media, the hashtag #FindLiaSmith had been used thousands of times, with people from across the country offering prayers and support. “We were holding onto hope,” one volunteer said. “No one wanted to believe this would end like this.”
Neighbors who live near the search site described seeing increased police activity in the early afternoon hours of Thursday before the discovery was confirmed. “It’s heartbreaking,” one resident said. “Everyone here has been following the news and hoping for her safe return. You could feel how much people cared.”
As word spread of the body being found, messages of grief and remembrance began pouring in online. Many students shared photos of Lia at campus events and art projects, remembering her love of creativity and her gentle nature. Others reflected on the fragility of life and the importance of community support during times of loss.
While officials await the results of the autopsy and the formal identification, the sense of mourning across Vermont is unmistakable. For the Middlebury College family, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change — and how a single person can touch countless lives. Lia Smith’s story, though ended far too soon, has already inspired conversations about safety, mental health, and the power of collective care in the face of loss.
For now, the people of Middlebury are grieving together — lighting candles, leaving flowers at The Knoll, and remembering the young woman who brought so much light to their community.
