A Maryland family was left desperate for answers after a 31-year-old man with Down syndrome disappeared in October 2023. Rashawn Williams, who is nonverbal and requires assistance, had been staying at a hotel in Montgomery County when he became separated from his caregiver. His disappearance triggered a search involving his family and authorities.

According to the family’s later lawsuit, Williams eventually made his way onto the Metro system and spent hours traveling before arriving at Glenmont station. The lawsuit alleges that he later entered an area of the station where he became unable to get back to the main passenger area. The family argues that better assistance and routine inspections could have led to him being found much sooner.

For nearly a week, his relatives had no idea where he was. His father publicly expressed fears that Williams could not communicate his identity or ask strangers for help. Then, on October 26, police located him alive inside Glenmont Metro station. He was reportedly extremely hungry and thirsty and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The most disturbing details emerged later through the family’s lawsuit against WMATA and others. According to allegations discussed in court documents, Williams may have spent six days trapped inside an Area of Refuge without adequate food, water, toilet facilities or light, allegedly becoming severely dehydrated and undernourished. A federal judge allowed relevant claims to continue, but the allegations have not been established as final findings of liability. The case remains a legal dispute over what happened and who should ultimately be held responsible.