Staff Report / September 11, 2025
A large-scale search is underway in Tompkins County as officials work to locate a 20-year-old man who disappeared earlier this week.
Authorities say Jonathan Dagostino was last seen on surveillance footage leaving Ithaca College around 6:30 a.m. Sunday. He was wearing blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt, and a green knit hat. Dagostino is described as six feet tall, about 210 pounds, with a shaved head, dark beard, and mustache.
His vehicle was later discovered in the lower parking area of Buttermilk Falls State Park. Inside the car, police found his phone and a note that raised concerns for his safety. Since then, multiple agencies—including New York State Police, Park Police, Forest Rangers, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, volunteer search teams, K9 units, and drones—have been combing the park and surrounding areas.
As of Wednesday evening, Dagostino had not been found. Officials are asking anyone with information to call New York State Park Police at 607-387-7081.
