Missing University of Maryland Student, 22, Found Safe 6 Days After Disappearing

0Dilan Shaan AsharCredit: University of Maryland Police DepartmentNEED TO KNOWThe University of Maryland Police Department launched a search for college student Dilan Shaan Ashar, who was last seen at a campus parking garage on Oct. 2

The college confirmed that the 22-year-old had been found in an update posted on Thursday, Oct. 8

Nearly 50 responders, nine dogs and a drone assisted in the search for Ashar

A University of Maryland student who was reported missing after he was last seen at a campus parking garage has been found safe.

Dilan Shaan Ashar was last seen on Oct. 2 around 2:30 a.m. at the Terrapin Trail Parking Garage, prompting the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) to begin a search.

The college confirmed that the 22-year-old had been found in an update posted by the college’s President Darryll J. Pines and UMPD Chief David B. Mitchell on Thursday, Oct. 8.

“Tonight we write to share good news: Dilan has been found! Thanks to the immense efforts of UMPD and our entire community, Dilan has been reunited with his family,” the statement said.

“We thank all our Terps and community members who spread the word and supported this search,” it added.

Pines and Mitchell said they understood recent days had been “distressing” for the community, and urged them to “consult our mental health website, the University Counseling Center, the Faculty Staff Assistance Program or the university chaplains.”

“We are grateful for our Terrapin community for all the support you provided in helping to find Dilan,” the statement said.

This comes after his family made an emotional plea for his safe return and information on his whereabouts.

“Dilan, we love you so much, and we hope you are safe,” said his mother in a video message shared by the UMPD on Tuesday, Oct. 6, four days after his disappearance. “We want you home. If you see this or anyone else sees this, please call us or call 911. We are waiting for you.”

The last time Dilan’s parents communicated with him was around 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.

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In their video message, the family said that he didn’t have his cellphone, wallet or identification on him.

The UMPD previously said that they conducted a “systematic and methodical search” on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 4, covering approximately 110 acres in the area of the garage. The search consisted of almost 50 first responders and nine dogs.

Officers also used a drone in the area of the school’s golf course, authorities said.

Ashar’s mother described her son as a “kind, thoughtful young man who cares deeply about people.” She added in the video message, “He loves sports and he loves to cook.”