Police and university have not disclosed where the missing student had been
University of Maryland President Darryll Pines announced Wednesday night that student Dilan Ashar, 22, had been found alive after a multi-day search that drew support from family, elected officials, and the campus community, according to a letter to students and faculty.
The announcement ended a search that began after Ashar was last seen at 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 2 in a university parking garage, according to the letter. Campus police had classified him as critically missing during the search.
Pines credited the University of Maryland Police Department and the broader community for the outcome. “Dilan has been found!” Pines said. “Thanks to the immense efforts of UMPD and our entire community, Dilan has been reunited with his family. We thank all our Terps and community members who spread the word and supported this search.”
During the search, Ashar’s family released a video asking residents and business owners to check security camera footage for any sign of him, The Washington Post reported. The family said Ashar did not have his phone, wallet, or identification.
His mother, Binita Ashar, addressed her son directly in the video, describing him as a “kind, thoughtful young man who cares deeply about people.”
“Dilan, we love you so much and we hope you are safe,” she said. “We want you home. If you see this or if anyone sees this, please call us or call 911. We are waiting for you.”
The video has since been removed.
Posters bearing Ashar’s image were distributed around campus during the search.
Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., posted a plea on X calling for public help. “I join Dilan’s family and the entire UMD community in praying for his safety and that he is found quickly,” Hoyer said.
Police and the university have not said where Ashar had been during the days he was missing.