Urgent Update: Missing Transgender Student Lia Smith Dies by Suicide

UPDATE: A tragic development has emerged in the case of missing Middlebury College student Lia Smith, whose body was identified by authorities as having died by suicide. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by the Vermont State Police on October 20, 2023, following an autopsy conducted by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.

Smith, a 21-year-old transgender student-athlete, was reported missing on October 19 after being last seen on campus two days prior. Authorities discovered her body on October 20 in a field near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm, located west of Middlebury in Cornwall. The state police have stated that no further details regarding the circumstances of her death are available at this time.

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We are working to support our community in every way we can at this difficult time,”

said Middlebury College President Ian Baucom in a statement. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the need for community support. Counseling services have been made available to all students since October 16, in response to Smith’s disappearance.

Smith, who previously resided in Woodside, California, was a double major in statistics and computer science and actively participated in several campus activities, including the women’s swimming and diving team and the chess club. A strong advocate for transgender rights, she spoke at a college panel in February discussing the politicization of transgender healthcare, highlighting the supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students at Middlebury.

The search for Smith involved extensive efforts from local law enforcement, including K-9 units and drones, along with active participation from the college community. Over 600 students joined an online group to share updates during the search, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the Middlebury community. “Even if you don’t know someone personally, you definitely know somebody who knows them,” said senior Lucy Schembre, expressing the shock felt across campus.

Smith’s disappearance struck a chord nationally, particularly as a recent study revealed that 42 percent of transgender adults in the U.S. have attempted suicide, with 81 percent considering self-harm. Middlebury police have not commented on whether Smith’s gender identity played a role in her disappearance.

As the community mourns the loss of a beloved member, officials continue to stress the importance of mental health support and community connection. The college’s response reflects a commitment to the well-being of its students during this profoundly difficult time.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to provide answers and support for those affected by this tragedy. Watch for further updates as this story develops.