Search Intensifies for Middlebury Student Lia Purcell Smith

Police in Middlebury, Vermont are conducting a large-scale search for 21-year-old Middlebury College senior Lia Purcell Smith, who was last seen on campus at about 9 p.m. on Oct. 17. Authorities have used drones to help identify search areas, and the college says it is working closely with the Middlebury Police Department and has been in contact with Smith’s family and friends to offer support. Smith, a California native, is about 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, is a senior double-majoring in computer science and statistics, and is a former member of the women's swimming and diving team. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Middlebury Police Department at 802-388-3191, submit a tip online, or — if a student — contact Middlebury College Public Safety.