Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Missing Maryland Student Found After Five-Day Search
Dilan Shaan Ashar is a 22-year-old student at the University of Maryland.
His family could not find him, and he was last seen near a campus parking garage.
Police and community members searched for five days.
They looked across a large area using drones, search dogs and teams on the ground.
Dilan was found safe on October 7 and returned to his family.
His mother thanked people for their support.
Police have not said where he was found or what happened while he was missing.
Some parents and residents said they wanted more information.
Dilan Shaan Ashar, a 22-year-old University of Maryland psychology major, was found safe on October 7 and reunited with his family.
He was last seen on campus near the Terrapin Trail Garage after leaving his residence early on October 2.
Police searched nearly 110 acres with drones, ground teams and nine search dogs; nearly 50 first responders took part.
Ashar had no phone, wallet or identification with him, and police classified him as critically missing.
Police did not disclose where he was found or the circumstances of his disappearance; some community members called for more details.
- Who
- Dilan Shaan Ashar, a 22-year-old University of Maryland psychology student.
- What
- He was found safe after a five-day search and reunited with his family.
- When
- October 7, after he was last seen early on October 2.
- Where
- At the University of Maryland campus in Maryland; police have not disclosed where he was found.
- Why
- He had gone missing and was classified by police as critically missing; the reason for his disappearance has not been disclosed.
Calls for more information
Police announcement
Details about the discovery
Calls for more information
Some residents and parents said they wanted to know who found Ashar, where he was found and what happened.
Police announcement
Campus police announced that Ashar was found safe and reunited with his family, but did not disclose the location or circumstances.
- Age and studies
- 22; psychology major at the University of Maryland
- Last known sighting
- Near the Terrapin Trail Garage around 2:30 a.m. on October 2
- Found
- October 7; police said he was safe and reunited with his family
- Search area
- Nearly 110 acres around the Terrapin Trail Garage
- Search resources
- Nearly 50 first responders, nine search dogs, drones and ground teams
- Items he lacked
- Phone, wallet and identification
- Unreported details
- Police have not said where he was found or described the circumstances of his disappearance