Vermont State Police have announced that 21-year-old Middlebury College senior Lia Smith, a diver on the school’s swim team who had been reported missing since Oct. 17 and whose body was found a few days later, had committed suicide.

Reports The Pink News:

 The Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team used aerial drones to try to locate her, while fellow students volunteered to help. 

Her body was discovered on Thursday (23 October) in a field in the town of Cornwall near The Knoll, the college’s organic farm, and the medical examiner ruled her death a suicide the following day.

Smith was a senior who was double-majoring in computer science and statistics and was a former member of the women’s swimming and diving team as well of several university clubs.

College president Ian Baucom said: “I have spoken with Lia’s family to express my heartbreak. 

“As president, and far more as a fellow parent, I ache for them. This is a profound loss that nobody should have to endure.” The Student Affairs team had been “offering compassionate support to Lia’s family, friends and students across our community”, he added, before thanking the police and volunteers for their help.

“Over the past few days, I have learned what a remarkable person Lia was. She came to Middlebury from Woodside, California, where she attended Sacred Heart Preparatory School. She was a diver on our women’s team, a member of our chess and Japanese clubs, and an articulate advocate of transgender rights.

“Her academic interests were broad, and she was a gift to us and we are so grateful that she was, and will always remain, a member of our Middlebury family. I know that this is a wrenching time. Please continue to extend care and compassion to one another and to yourselves.”

Read the complete Pink News story here.

Posted US Congresswoman Becca Balint (Vermont) on Facebook:

I’m absolutely heartbroken for the family of Lia Smith and the Middlebury College Community. As a parent, I’m crushed by this news and grieving for her parents and loved ones. The loss of a child is unimaginable. The community will remember Lia as a bright student, talented athlete, and friend. She was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics. She was an outspoken advocate for her community as a trans woman and athlete.

I’m grateful for the efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement in this investigation and to everyone who played a role in the search. Vermont stands with the Middlebury community during this extremely difficult time.

Please, Middlebury students, faculty, and community members, take care of one another as you mourn this devastating loss.

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