UMD student found safe after six-day search; police detail discovery in wooded area
Dilan Shaan Ashar, a 22-year-old University of Maryland student, was found safe after being missing for six days. Campus police announced his recovery on Wednesday night, noting he had been reunited with his family. Ashar was last seen on October 2 at the Terrapin Trail Parking Garage. His family released an emotional plea for public help on Monday, which gained significant attention across the D.C. region. While initial reports did not specify the location of his discovery, later updates indicated he emerged from a wooded area and contacted police.
Key points
- Dilan Shaan Ashar, 22, was found safe after a six-day search, with police announcing his recovery on Wednesday night.
- Ashar was last seen on October 2 at 2:30 a.m. at the Terrapin Trail Parking Garage at the University of Maryland.
- His family released an emotional video plea on Monday, asking residents to check doorbell and business cameras from early Friday onward.
- Police searched approximately 110 acres around the garage on Sunday, utilizing drones and dogs, but found no signs of him initially.
- According to NBC4, Ashar was found after walking out of a wooded area and knocking on a police car window on Thursday morning.
Background
This incident follows a pattern of high-profile missing person cases involving college students in the region, such as the 2026 disappearance of a Howard University student and the fatal shooting of a Pennsylvania college student in August. The University of Maryland has since directed students to mental health resources, including the University Counseling Center and chaplains, to support those affected by the situation.
How outlets are covering it
The Washington Post and WBAL-TV reported the discovery on Wednesday night but did not initially specify the location or circumstances, focusing on the family's emotional plea and the extensive search efforts. NBC4 Washington provided the most specific details, stating that Ashar was found on Thursday morning after emerging from a wooded area and knocking on a police car window. All outlets agreed that the case was labeled 'critical' and that the family's public appeal on Monday was pivotal in the search.
Why it matters
The case highlights the critical role of community involvement and social media in resolving missing person cases, particularly on college campuses. It also underscores the importance of thorough search protocols, including the use of drones and K-9 units, in locating individuals who may be in vulnerable or hidden conditions.
What to watch
Police have not released further details about the circumstances of Ashar's disappearance or his current condition beyond confirming he is safe and reunited with his family. The University of Maryland is providing mental health resources to students affected by the incident. No further updates are expected unless new information emerges from the investigation.
- Maryland college student is found after extensive, multiday search The Washington Post
- Missing University of Maryland student Dilan Ashar found, reunited with family WUSA9
- Missing University of Maryland student found: campus police WBAL-TV
- 'Critically missing' UMD student found after days-long search WJLA
- Missing university of Maryland student found safe NBC4 Washington
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