MISSING UNIVERSITY STUDENT FOUND AFTER DAYS IN THE WOODS — HIS FIRST WORDS LEFT SEARCHERS SURPRISED

A desperate search for a missing college student in Maryland has ended with a remarkable development after the 22-year-old was found alive following several days without contact with his family.

Dilan Shaan Ashar, a student at the University of Maryland, disappeared on October 2, 2026. His family made an emotional public appeal for his safe return, while police released surveillance images and organized an extensive search around the campus.

After days of uncertainty, authorities confirmed that Dilan had been found safe.

THE DISAPPEARANCE THAT WORRIED HIS FAMILY

According to university police, Dilan was last seen on surveillance footage around 2:30 a.m. on October 2 near the Terrapin Trail Garage in College Park, Maryland.

His family said their last communication with him had taken place the previous evening. Even more concerning, he had left without his cellphone, wallet or identification.

His mother, Binita Ashar, described him as a kind and thoughtful young man who loved sports and cooking.

In a video message shared by police, she made a heartfelt appeal for her son to come home.

“Dilan, we love you so much, and we hope you are safe,” she said, asking anyone with information to contact authorities.

A MASSIVE SEARCH ACROSS CAMPUS

As concern grew, the University of Maryland Police Department worked with other emergency responders to search for the missing student.

Authorities searched approximately 110 acres around the campus and nearby areas. Nearly 50 first responders and nine dogs took part in one major search effort, while drones were also used to examine surrounding locations.

Investigators checked parking garages, wooded areas, nearby parks and the area around Lake Artemesia.

Police also released additional images of Dilan captured by surveillance cameras in the hope that someone might recognize him or provide information about his movements.

Despite the extensive effort, investigators initially struggled to determine where he had gone.

THE MOMENT HE REAPPEARED

On October 7, the search took an unexpected turn when Dilan emerged from a wooded area near the university’s XFINITY Center.

According to University of Maryland Police Chief David B. Mitchell, Dilan approached a search-and-rescue vehicle, knocked on the driver’s-side window and asked a question that stunned those involved in the search:

“Are you looking for me?”

The student was immediately taken for medical evaluation. Officials said he appeared dehydrated, frightened and hungry, but did not appear to have physical injuries.

The following day, the university confirmed that Dilan had been found safe and reunited with his family.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS REMAIN

Although the search ended with a positive outcome, the circumstances surrounding Dilan’s disappearance remain unclear.

Police Chief Mitchell said investigators still had unanswered questions about what happened during the days he spent missing and what prompted him to emerge from the woods when he did.

Authorities have not publicly established a complete explanation for his disappearance.

For his family, however, the immediate priority was clear: Dilan was alive, had been located and was back with the people who had spent days hoping for his safe return.

A FAMILY’S PLEA ENDS WITH RELIEF

The case drew attention from students and members of the wider community, many of whom helped circulate his photographs and information during the search.

The emotional message from Dilan’s family became an important part of the public appeal, as they urged people to share any information that might help bring him home.

After days of uncertainty, the search concluded with the news his family had been praying for.

While many questions remain unanswered, Dilan’s safe return brought relief to his loved ones and the university community.

Sources:

1. PEOPLE
2. PEOPLE: Dilan Ashar Found Safe
3. CBS News Baltimore
4. ABC News