Concerns grow for family and friends over missing Tempe man

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Family and friends of a missing Tempe man are growing more concerned by the day.

It's been nearly a week since they've heard from Dongdi Wu, also known as Jason Wu. Wu's friends said his car was found abandoned at South Mountain near the main ramada and ranger station, with the key in the ignition. Wu's girlfriend and roommate said he left his apartment in Tempe upset just after midnight on January 24. Hours later, Wu came here to buy cigarettes and a phone charger. Since then, Wu's friend said it's as if he just vanished.

23-year-old Wu, according to his friend, is an international student from China who recently graduated from Arizona State University. Surveillance footage from Smoke Land on E. Baseline Road shows Wu at the store around noon on January 24.

Zhiguang Yang said Wu's girlfriend spoke to him before he went missing with his dog.

"And Jason replied back around 3:40 a.m., saying 'don't worry, I love you, I'll be back'," said Yang. "That's the last time we ever received messages from him."

Wu is described by Phoenix Police as 5'8" tall, weighing 160lbs with black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on his chest, back, and left ankle. Police, however, did not release a description of the tattoos. Wu primarily speaks Chinese.

Yang says it's unlike Wu to run away like this. His phone is off, and his credit cards haven't been used since going to CVS. His dog was found at a nearby shelter.

Friends are deeply concerned

"Jason was definitely emotional when he got out of the apartment, so we are worried about his mental health because he never does something like that," said Yang.

Wu had plans to fly home to China on January 27, but never showed up at the airport. His parents are now the ones flying to the Valley to search for him.

"His mom is already having a heart attack," said Yang. "According to his mom, his dad is very depressed as well. They're on the edge of breaking down."

Anyone with information should call Phoenix Police Missing Persons at (602) 534-2121, or (602) 262-6141 after business hours.