Police are searching for a Vermont college student who has been missing since last week.

Authorities in Vermont are currently engaged in an extensive search for Lia Smith, a 21-year-old student who has been missing since last week. Smith, a senior at Middlebury College, was last seen around 9 p.m. on Friday when she disappeared from a campus building. The situation escalated over the weekend, prompting her father to file a missing persons report after she failed to respond to his attempts to reach her.

The Middlebury Police Department has confirmed that an active search is underway, with efforts directed toward identifying additional potential areas that could aid in locating Smith, who hails from California. Local law enforcement agencies are employing various strategies to ensure a thorough search is conducted, which includes leveraging community resources and expertise.

In a statement to the school community, Middlebury officials expressed their commitment to finding Smith, noting her significance within the institution. The officials emphasized the importance of the health and safety of their students, highlighting Smith’s beloved status among peers and faculty alike. The college is maintaining communication with her family and friends in an effort to gather information regarding her recent activities and state of mind prior to her disappearance. In light of the ongoing situation, counseling services have been made available to students and staff who may be affected by this distressing news.

Descriptive details provided by the police indicate that Smith stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Her academic pursuits reflect a commitment to the fields of computer science and statistics, areas in which she is double majoring. Additionally, Smith is involved in extracurricular activities on campus, including roles in the chess club and the Women in Computer Science Club, as well as participation on the swimming and diving team.

The Middlebury community remains hopeful for Smith’s safe return as search efforts continue. Students and community members are urged to report any relevant information that could assist in locating the missing student. This incident has underscored the tight-knit nature of the Middlebury College community, rallying around the search for one of their own as they seek answers during this challenging time.

As the search progresses, the college and local authorities are committed to keeping the public informed. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. Media News Source will continue to follow this story closely.