Critical Search Underway for Missing UMD Student Dilan Shaan Ashar
UMD student Dilan Shaan Ashar reported missing October 2; critical case with active search ongoing.
Event / Security
Dilan Shaan Ashar Missing Person
University of Maryland student Dilan Shaan Ashar has been missing since October 2, 2026, near College Park campus. Authorities have classified this as a critical missing person case with extensive search operations underway and family appeals for public assistance.
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2026-10-08 to 2026-10-30 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 8 Oct, 02:37 UTC
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What happened
Extensive search operations conducted for missing UMD student
Multiple search operations covering approximately 110 acres have been conducted around the Terrapin Trail Garage and surrounding areas using drones, cadaver dogs, and dozens of first responders. The searches covered the university golf course, parking garages, wooded areas, Lake Artemesia, and nearby parks. As of Tuesday's statement, all searches had yielded no results.
UMD police classify Ashar case as critical missing person
University of Maryland police classified Dilan Shaan Ashar's case as a 'critical missing person' on Tuesday, October 6. Police released new surveillance images of Ashar and issued a public appeal for community assistance in locating him.
University of Maryland student Dilan Shaan Ashar reported missing on October 2
Dilan Shaan Ashar, a 22-year-old University of Maryland student, was last seen on Friday, October 2 at approximately 2:30 a.m. near the Terrapin Trail parking garage on campus in College Park, Maryland. He was captured on surveillance video leaving his residence at around 2 a.m. that morning. Ashar is 6 feet 2 inches tall with dark hair and was wearing a black University of Maryland sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and white shoes when last seen. He does not have his cell phone, wallet, or identification with him.
Family appeals for public assistance in locating missing student
Dilan Ashar's mother, Binita Ashar, issued an emotional public appeal for help locating her son, describing him as a kind and thoughtful young man who loves sports and cooking. She requested that residents in College Park check their doorbell, car, and business camera footage from early Friday morning onward. The family asked the public to contact UMD police at 301-405-3555 with any information about Ashar's whereabouts.
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