Missing UMD student is found safe, university says

University of Maryland student Dilan Ashar has been found safe after a massive dayslong search by campus police, the university said Wednesday night.

“Tonight we write to share good news: Dilan has been found!” President Darryll Pines and UMD Police Chief David Mitchell said in a joint statement. “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.”

Ashar had been missing since Friday.

After days of searching, his family made a tearful plea for help.

“Dilan is a kind, thoughtful young man who cares deeply about people,” his mother said in a video shared by University of Maryland Police. “He loves sports and he loves to cook.”

She added that he didn’t have his phone, wallet or ID.

Ashar’s parents had last communicated with him Sept. 20, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.

UMD Police said in a campuswide alert this week that the 22-year-old left his residence around 2 a.m. Friday wearing a black university hoodie, gray sweatpants and white shoes.

He was seen on a surveillance camera about half an hour later at the Terrapin Trail Garage near the Xfinity Center.

UMD Police said officers searched a 110-acre site near the garage with a drone, nearly 50 first responders and nine dogs. Investigators also searched the University of Maryland golf course, as well as other parking garages, nearby parks, wood lines and Lake Artemesia.

“Dilan, we love you so much and we hope you’re safe,” his mother said before he was found. “We want you home.”

Wednesday night, she got the good news she was hoping for.