Lia Smith, the 21-year-old Middlebury College student who was reported missing earlier this month, has been formally confirmed deceased, according to authorities in Vermont. Smith, a junior at Middlebury, was last seen on campus on Friday, October 17. Her father reported her missing two days later, on Sunday, October 19, after he was unable to reach her and grew increasingly concerned for her safety. In a press release, the Vermont State Police confirmed that a body discovered near the Middlebury College campus on Thursday, October 23, has been identified as that of Lia Smith. The discovery brought an end to an intensive, days-long search that involved multiple local and state agencies. Authorities reported that the search began soon after Smith’s disappearance was reported. Police officers, firefighters, and volunteers combed the college grounds and nearby wooded areas. Drones and K9 units…
