Search For George Mason Student Closes Down Several Shenandoah Trails

SHENANDOAH, VA — A number of trails in Shenandoah National Park are closed Friday as several authorities search for a missing college student.

Mateo Luis Zevallos, a 21-year-old student at George Mason University, was last seen May 5 at 1 p.m. at Bradford Wood Court in Oakton, according to Virginia State Police. On May 9, he was reported missing to the Fairfax County Police after not showing up for class, various outlets reported. On Tuesday, his car, a 2020 Honda Civic with the license plate UNH-2612, was discovered in the park, according to Shenandoah National Park.

On Wednesday, a full-scale search involving several agencies was launched. The following trails are closed as of Friday evening, according to Claire Corner, a spokesperson for Shenandoah National Park:

• Overall Run
• Traces
• Mathews Arm
• Tuscarora
• Beecher Ridge
• Thompson Hollow

Zavallos is described as white, 5’9”, 190 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, according to a description from the Virginia State Police. He was possibly wearing black and white Adidas sneakers; gray sweatpants; a gray, black and brown flannel shirt; and was carrying a green North Face backpack. Police say his disappearance “poses a credible threat to his health and safety.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 540-999-3422, or the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131.