Lia Smith, the missing Middlebury College student who vanished earlier this month, has been formally confirmed deceased.

Following the initiation of an extensive search, officials utilized drones and performed ground searches, subsequently expanding their efforts to the forested regions surrounding Middlebury College in Vermont.

On Wednesday, October 22, the search intensified, involving several organizations such as the Middlebury Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team.

The search concluded tragically the following day, Thursday, October 23, when a body was discovered in a field adjacent to The Knoll, Middlebury College’s organic farm, about 1:30 p.m.

The victim was promptly recognized as Smith, and the first inquiry revealed no indications of foul play.