VT VT - Lia Smith, 21, Middlebury College student, last seen 9pm on campus, Middlebury, 17 Oct 2025

[Unalienable Rights]

Police looking for missing Middlebury College student | Addison Independent

www.addisonindependent.com

Middlebury police on Sunday evening said they are looking for Lia P. Smith, who was last seen on campus on Friday evening.

Smith was last seen at 9 p.m. on Oct. 17.

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Smith is a senior from California double majoring in computer science and statistics. She is also a successful diver on the Panther women’s swimming and diving team.

https://www.facebook.com/middleburycollege/posts/pfbid02ZXi4E4Xe2ZJ74t9yvPr2vrfJjcosF9QS1nvfwHMkRdoc3XZjsDWnp6uvXtuWgLC7l

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We are writing to inform you that we have received information about a possible missing student. We are working closely with the Middlebury Police Department (MPD), which is investigating and collecting information at this time. We have been in touch with the student's family and friends to offer support and learn all we can about the student’s recent activities and whereabouts.

MPD has posted an announcement to their Facebook page naming the student and asking that anyone with information contact the police department at 802-388-3191. You may also contact Middlebury College Public Safety at 802-443-5911.

The post reads as follows:

“The Middlebury Police Department is requesting assistance in locating Lia Smith, age 21, who was reported missing earlier today. Lia is a current Middlebury College student and was last seen on campus on October 17th, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Anyone with information about Lia or her whereabouts is asked to contact the Middlebury Police Department at 802-388-3191 or submit an online tip on our website.”

We will provide additional updates and share more information when we receive it. Our priority now is to work actively with the police department to support their investigation and to offer support resources to our students.

Sincerely,

Smita Ruzicka
Vice President for Student Affairs
Demitria Kirby
Associate Vice President of Safety

 

[GraceG]

Anoher article on Liz from the same news source as the missing article linked above. I hope she's found soon, and just needed a break from any stress in her life. Students and community turn out for their trans peers | Addison Independent

 

[Izzylizzy]

No mention if she has a car or places off campus she may go to on the weekends.

 

[Zeta74]

I’m concerned that she may have been the victim of a hate crime. Or that hate directed at the trans community could have led to suicide here.

 

[Serononin]

I’m concerned that she may have been the victim of a hate crime. Or that hate directed at the trans community could have led to suicide here.

I very much hope that's not the case, but I fear you may be right. Especially since she's on the swim team, and trans women in sport have been a particular focus of anti-trans campaigners lately

 

[muddlehead]

Yikes. Easy to fear the worst here. Cannot imagine the turmoil that comes with being a trans athlete.

 

[thewayfindsyou]

I’m concerned that she may have been the victim of a hate crime. Or that hate directed at the trans community could have led to suicide here.

Am I missing a part where she is mentioned as being trans? I thought this is a cis woman and reread the article.

 

[angelainwi]

Am I missing a part where she is mentioned as being trans? I thought this is a cis woman and reread the article.

post #2

 

[thewayfindsyou]

post #2

Oh, whoops. Had my phone screen dimmed and didn't see the blue link in the post lol. Thanks

 

[Inthedetails]

I very much hope that's not the case, but I fear you may be right. Especially since she's on the swim team, and trans women in sport have been a particular focus of anti-trans campaigners lately

There is a lot of hate spewed at trans people lately, that's for sure. I remain hopeful for a "found safe." Please!

jmopinion

 

[NervousNellie]

Wow. I am so saddened by this. I know it’s naive, but I have such lovely memories of Middlebury and Vermont that this really hurts. I know hate is everywhere, but it’s hard when we find it in places we love.

My thoughts and heart are with the missing woman, Lia, at this time.

 

[Teche]

I’m concerned that she may have been the victim of a hate crime. Or that hate directed at the trans community could have led to suicide here.

The university/community could be more liberal than other locations.