Missing Middlebury Student Lia Smith Found Dead: Highlights Trans Mental Health Emergency
Lia Smith will always remain a part of the Middlebury community.
NewsAshishOctober 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Ashish on October 26, 2026
Lia Smith, a 21-year-old transgender student at Middlebury College, was reported missing on Sunday, October 19. Authorities found her body on Thursday afternoon near The Knoll, an organic farm just west of the college’s campus.
Her passing doesn’t indicate anything suspicious, and an autopsy is scheduled to confirm the manner of her death.
Lia Smith was a bright and engaged member of the Middlebury community.
She came to Middlebury from Woodside, California, where she attended Sacred Heart Preparatory School. She pursued a double major in computer science and statistics.
Beyond the classroom, she was a well-rounded and active presence on campus. She was a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, a member of the Chess and Japanese clubs, and an articulate advocate for transgender rights.
Her passing brings into sharp focus the urgent mental-health crisis within LGBTQ+ communities. A staggering 42% of transgender adults in the U.S. have attempted suicide, a statistic that underscores the critical need for support and understanding.
It’s really hard putting on the suit every day if you are obviously an outlier. It’s also really hard going in a locker room where you’re not welcome, and there’s really not a clear space that I should be going to.
Lia SmithLia Smith was Reported Missing and Found Lifeless
Middlebury College and her family are mourning the tragic loss of Lia Smith, a 21-year-old senior whose life was cut short this past week.
The Vermont State Police confirmed the discovery of a body, believed to be Lia, in a field near the college’s campus on Thursday afternoon.
Lia was a vibrant member of Middlebury College, about to graduate and embark on her future.
She was last seen on campus on Friday and was reported missing by her father on Sunday, prompting an extensive multi-agency search that ended in heartbreak.
She brought a bright presence to every room she entered and possessed a spirit that matched her graceful stature. Her journey spoke to her adventurous and inquisitive nature.
Lia was engaged in the rigorous academic life of the institution, but her dreams and ambitions are now a profound loss.
Vermont State Police discovered her body near The Knoll, an organic farm west of the campus, and stated that their initial investigation does not indicate the death is suspicious.
An autopsy is scheduled to confirm identity and the precise manner of death.
We’re a really small community. Even if you don’t know someone personally, you definitely know somebody who knows them, and you’ve definitely seen them around. It’s very jarring for somebody who’s supposed to be here, to not be here.
Lucy SchembreLia’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her loving family, her friends, her professors, and all who knew her. Her father tirelessly sought her safe return.
She is remembered not for the circumstances of her death, but for the life she lived, a life of promise, cut devastatingly short.
In the coming days, we will be planning opportunities for our campus community to gather and remember Lia, and we will keep you informed as those plans take shape. I know that this is a wrenching time. Please continue to extend care and compassion to one another and to yourselves.
President Ian BaucomThe family requests privacy during this challenging time as they grapple with their unimaginable loss. They will soon announce the information regarding memorial services at a later date.
Lia’s memory will be cherished as a beloved daughter, a dedicated student, and a bright light gone too soon.
Rest In Peace, Lia Smith.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lia Smith was originally from Woodside, California.
- She was 5’11” tall with warm brown hair and captivating blue eyes.
- Check other Articles on
- Lia Smith
- Middlebury College
AshishAshish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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