Missing Man Who Was Subject Of Massive Search Near GMU Was Found Dead, Police Said

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Joshua Obregon Pacheco, a 25-year-old man who was the focus of a massive police search Friday night near the Fairfax campus of George Mason University, was found dead on Saturday, according to authorities.

City of Fairfax Police posted the update on its X/Twitter account on Saturday: "Sadly, Joshua was found deceased this morning. Please keep his family in your thoughts. No foul play is suspected."

Police called off the active search for Pacheco around 9:30 p.m. Friday, according to George Mason University Police.

"The active search for the wanted/endangered injured person near the Fairfax campus has concluded," university police said, in an email. "Local law enforcement was unable to locate the individual with last known whereabouts near Roberts Road."

Around 7:21 p.m., university police sent out an alert warning the public to avoid the Fairfax Campus near Roberts Road as they assisted local law enforcement to find a person possibly armed with a knife and suffering from self-inflicted wounds.

About the same time, city police posted Pacheco's photo on its X account, describing him as a missing person.

Pacheco was last seen walking in the area of the 10200 block of Forest Avenue, according to city police.

As police conducted their search, all of Forest Avenue was shut down from Roberts Road to Collier Road for a period of time. The roads reopened around 9:30 p.m. when the search was called off.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 988. The Crisis Text Line can provide support through text messages by texting "HOME" to 741741.

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