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Medical Examiner Confirms Middlebury Student Lia Smith Died by Suicide

Authorities located her body near the college’s organic farm after an intensive multi-agency search.

Overview

  • Vermont State Police said search teams found her body Thursday in a field near The Knoll, west of campus in Cornwall.
  • An autopsy Friday confirmed the remains as Lia Smith and determined the cause of death was suicide.
  • Smith, 21, was last seen on campus the night of Oct. 17 and was reported missing on Oct. 19 by her father.
  • Police led a full-scale search involving multiple agencies and aerial drones, and a planned press briefing was canceled during operations.
  • Middlebury’s president announced opportunities to remember Smith and highlighted support resources as officials pointed to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.