In the quiet Vermont town of Middlebury, the heart of a close‑knit college community is heavy with concern. Lia Smith, a 21‑year‑old student at Middlebury College, was reported missing after being last seen on campus on Friday night, October 17 2025.
Authorities, school officials and friends are all working together, hoping that someone will come forward with any small piece of information — because sometimes even the smallest lead can make a difference.
Biography Table – Lia Smith
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lia Smith |
| Age | 21 |
| College | Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont |
| Last Seen | On campus at ~9:00 p.m., Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Major(s) | Double major: Computer Science & Statistics |
| Other Activities | Competed for Women’s Swimming & Diving team |
| Last Contact | Friends say they last saw her Friday night |
| Contact for Info | Middlebury Police Department – 802‑388‑3191 |
The Disappearance and Search Effort
On Sunday afternoon, the Middlebury Police Department (MPD) received a missing person report for Lia Smith after her father could not reach her and her friends had not heard from her. At the time of the report, she had last been seen on the college campus at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday night.
MPD released a statement asking for the public’s assistance:
“The Middlebury Police Department is requesting assistance in locating Lia Smith, age 21, who was reported missing … Anyone with information about Lia or her whereabouts is asked to contact the Middlebury Police Department at 802‑388‑3191.”
The college simultaneously sent an alert to students, faculty and staff, informing them that it was working closely with law enforcement and the student’s family and friends to learn all they could about her recent activities and whereabouts.
Authorities are clear: even details that might seem unimportant are worth reporting. MPD Sergeant Nathan Hayes emphasized:
“If anybody knows anything … please share it with the police because anything is worth us looking into.”
Who is Lia Smith?
Lia is a young scholar recognized not just for her academic pursuits, but also her athletic involvement and community presence. As a double major in computer science and statistics, she is known for mental rigor and ambition. According to reports, she also competed on the women’s swimming and diving team at Middlebury College
Her height is noted as 5’11″ and around 160 lbs in a missing‑person bulletin.These physical details can assist anyone who might have seen her or noticed someone matching her description in the area.
Why the Concern is Deep and Wide
When a student goes missing on or near a college campus, the ripple effects reach beyond immediate family. For those living in Middlebury and surrounding areas, it raises alarm because college towns are often seen as safe havens—places where students immerse themselves in study, sports, and friendships.
The fact that Lia was last seen on campus, at a familiar location, and that normal contact was not made, heightens worry for all involved. The college’s communication to its community, and the involvement of law enforcement, underscore how serious the situation is.
What You Can Do if You Have Information
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Call: Middlebury Police Department at 802‑388‑3191 if you have any information about Lia’s whereabouts.
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On campus: You may also contact Middlebury College Public Safety at 802‑443‑5911.
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Even small details matter: Whether you saw someone matching her description, saw a vehicle, or heard something unusual—say it.
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Privacy matters: If you are worried you might be implicated or don’t know whether your information is relevant, it still is. The investigators encourage all tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where was Lia Smith last seen?
A: She was last observed on the campus of Middlebury College at around 9:00 p.m. Friday, October 17 2025.
Q: What are her major and activities?
A: She’s a double major in Computer Science and Statistics and competed in Women’s Swimming & Diving for Middlebury College.
Q: Has someone seen her since the Friday night?
A: As of the most recent public update, no confirmed contact has been made since that Friday evening.
Q: What does the community do now?
A: The college and the police are coordinating the search, offering support to family and asking for public assistance. The hope is to locate Lia quickly and ensure her safety.
Conclusion
Right now, the story of Lia Smith is one of hope mingled with anxiety. Each hour counts. Each call for information could bring a vital clue. Middlebury College, its students, friends, and the greater community are holding vigil—not just waiting, but acting.
If you see Lia, if you see someone who might be Lia, or if you remember noticing something you initially dismissed—it might be what helps bring her back safe. Because in times like these, awareness matters. Attention matters. And most of all, compassion matters.
Let’s keep the hope alive that Lia is found soon, reunited with those who care about her, and that this difficult chapter ends with relief and reconnection.
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