https://toofab.com/2020/12/21/texas-student-still-missing-after-crashed-car-found-abandoned/

"A passer-by called 911 after spotting the abandoned Nissan Altima, which appeared to have spun and slammed into a tree backwards, on Salt Flat Road in Luling, about a 30 minute drive from Texas State University."

what were the untruthful and misleading reports from the media?

I've heard of a case where a person was so paranoid (due to acute mental illness) that they hid from rescuers. And died.

Local news reported there were narcotics in Jason's backpack. The only person who disputed it was Jason's father on the church Facebook page. I'm pretty positive the only reason that was reported was because local media had put in FOIA request on the wreck report from the troopers. Most likely the report stated there were narcotics in the car, which is why it leaked to the media before they got their hands on the actual report.

sure has been a lot of cold nights in the Luling area this month:

https://www.wunderground.com/history/monthly/us/tx/luling/KAUS

Almost certainly he's passed. Every passing day has meant less chance of finding him alive.

I would look for him in places where a person might try to hide from other people. I.e. where a paranoid person who thinks people are trying to kill him might try to hide. Assuming he's passed, each day means we will have less information about why he passed when he is found. So there is urgency here, even if he has already passed.