VERMONT — After six tense days of searching, authorities have finally confirmed the autopsy results for 21-year-old college swimmer Lia Smith, whose disappearance and tragic discovery have shaken the quiet town of Middlebury.
Police say the cause of death has been determined, but while the full report remains under review, investigators have confirmed that there are no signs of foul play at this stage. The exact circumstances surrounding Lia’s final hours are still under active investigation.
Lia, a beloved member of her college’s swimming and diving team, was last seen near campus on October 17, before she was reported missing two days later. Her body was discovered on October 23 at a farm property known locally as “The Knoll,” just a short distance from the college grounds.
Forensic teams worked through the night examining the area where she was found, collecting personal items and notes that may help establish a clearer timeline of her final movements. Detectives emphasized that “every detail matters” as they continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage from the campus and surrounding roads.
Friends and teammates have described Lia as “bright, disciplined, and full of energy,” saying her sudden disappearance felt “completely out of character.”
As the investigation continues, Middlebury Police are asking anyone who may have seen Lia or her vehicle between October 17 and 19 to come forward with information.
Tonight, the community mourns the loss of a young woman whose future once seemed limitless — and waits for answers about what really happened in those quiet Vermont fields.