Body Discovered in Search for Missing Middlebury College Student
In a tragic turn of events, a body has been discovered during the ongoing search for Lia Smith, a Middlebury College student who went missing on October 17. The Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team made the discovery around 1:30 p.m. on a Thursday, in a field situated west of the campus.
Details of the Discovery
Lia Smith, 21, from Woodside, California, was last seen on the college campus just before her disappearance. The location of the find is near the Knoll, which is known as the college’s organic farm. Authorities are currently withholding the identity of the deceased until a formal autopsy is conducted.
Investigation and Autopsy
- The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington will perform the autopsy on Friday.
- The purpose is to confirm the identity and determine the cause and manner of death.
- Initial investigations suggest that the death does not appear to be suspicious.
Search Efforts and Community Support
The search for Smith intensified before the body’s discovery, involving several law enforcement agencies. The Vermont State Police, along with the Middlebury Police Department, coordinated a comprehensive search in the area surrounding Middlebury. Assistance was also provided by the FBI and New York State Police.
Middlebury police conducted extensive aerial searches using drones and thoroughly examined wooded areas near the college. College officials expressed their deep concern for Smith’s wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of community and student safety.
Call for Information
Authorities encourage anyone with potential information related to the case to reach out. Tips can be reported to the Vermont State Police barracks in New Haven at 802-388-4919 or submitted anonymously online.
The community has rallied together during this challenging time, offering support for the search efforts and expressing hope for Smith’s safe return. The situation remains under investigation as the search teams continue to work diligently.
