EDISON, NJ (TIP): In what can be the worst nightmare for parents, a 19-year-old Indian American youth from New Jersey has gone missing. Shaylan “Shay” Shah was last seen on Saturday near Westgate Square in Edison, New Jersey. The parents of the young man, Rich Shah and Kalpana Shah who are residents of New Jersey are desperately trying to look for their missing son and seeking the help of both authorities and the community.
According to the latest update from Shay’s dad, Rich Shah, the family have been unable to contact their missing kid. Rich also updated on his social media page that they are working closely with New Jersey police.
“We have made contact with NJ Transit police who will be providing support to attempt tracking Shaylan’s whereabouts,” he wrote. “We are grateful for their service and giving us continued hope to validate that he is safe.”
Shay has been missing since early Saturday morning. According to the family, Shay went missing at approximately 5:50 am on July 15. The family says that they have confirmation that Shay was last seen at Newark Penn Station on the same day, Saturday morning around 11 am.
Shay’s father Rich Shah said, “Unfortunately, we do not know where Shay is heading at this time. We are still concerned about Shay’s well-being and appreciate any ongoing support in finding him. Our family is blessed with the overwhelming support, and we know Shay will be found safely.”
The Indian American community got involved on social media as the news of missing teenager came. Flyers carrying Shay’s pictures and details about him being missing were shared from Michigan to California.
Some community members have been circulating Shay’s pictures and details on WhatsApp groups and local expat groups. By Monday late in the night, community social media groups were busy with people circulating information about the missing teenager.
Friends and acquaintances of the family from Pennsylvania to missing also shared father’s plea for reporting any information related to his son.
Shaylan’s dad Rich Shah is the founder of a non-profit VRX Foundation. The family relocated to New Jersey from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Shay’s dad Rich Shah can be reached at 732-447-4634.
Edison police also issued a notice seeking public help in finding Shay:
“Edison PD seeks your help in locating a missing person: SHAYLAN SHAH, 19-year-old Indian Male 508 140 lbs. Black Hair Brown Eyes Unknown on Clothing Unknown Possible Destination, Last Seen in the area of Linda Lane & Westgate Drive in Edison. Left the area on foot. If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate SHAYLAN SHAH, please contact your local police department or call Edison PD 732-248-7400, press 1”