Search underway for missing Middlebury College student

Police in Vermont are asking for the public’s help tracking down a missing Middlebury College student last seen on campus Friday night.

Lia Smith, 21, of California, was reported missing Sunday, after she was last spotted on campus around 9 p.m. two days prior. 

“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,” Middlebury Vice President for Student Affairs Smita Ruzicka and Associate Vice President of Safety Demitria Kirby said in a Facebook post Sunday. 

According to the Middlebury Police Department, the college senior is 5 foot 11 inches, about 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police said Monday their search efforts thus far have included the use of a drone, and they’re working to identify other possible search areas. The department is asking anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts to call 802-388-3191 or submit a tip online through the department’s website. 

College leaders issued an additional statement Monday offering counseling and outreach services to Smith’s family and friends, as well as other students and faculty in need.

“We will do everything we can to find Lia,” they wrote. “She is a beloved member of our Middlebury family and there is nothing more important than the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students and of our entire community. We know it can be difficult to experience this uncertainty and we will provide regular updates and share more information as it becomes available.”

Abby Patkin

Staff Writer

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.