At least 10 scientists tied to sensitive US research have died or disappeared in recent years, sparking federal investigation
At least 10 scientists tied to sensitive US research have died or disappeared in recent years, sparking federal investigation
Recent years have seen the mysterious deaths and vanishings of at least 10 individuals associated with U.S. nuclear and aerospace research, prompting a federal inquiry. Among them was a nuclear physicist and MIT professor who was fatally shot outside his Massachusetts home. A retired Air Force general went missing from his New Mexico residence, and an aerospace engineer disappeared during a hike in Los Angeles. These incidents have raised questions about potential connections, with online speculation suggesting possible covert activities.
House Oversight Committee Launches Investigation
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee announced Monday it would examine reports of the scientists’ deaths and disappearances. The committee highlighted that these individuals had access to classified scientific data, leading to concerns about a possible sinister link. To gather insights, it has requested briefings from the FBI, Defense Department, Department of Energy, and NASA.
“The reports raise questions about a possible sinister connection,” the committee stated, as it seeks to uncover any ties between the cases.
While the FBI has not provided comments, the Defense Department mentioned it would address the committee directly. The Department of Energy referred inquiries to the White House, and NASA expressed cooperation with relevant agencies. A spokesperson for NASA, Bethany Stevens, noted, “At this time, nothing related to NASA indicates a national security threat.”
Varying Circumstances and Unresolved Theories
The incidents span a range of scenarios. Some involve unsolved homicides, while others are missing persons cases with no evidence of foul play. In at least two instances, families attributed the events to preexisting health issues or personal challenges. Despite this, authorities have not found any direct links between the cases.
The series of disappearances began in 2023, according to lawmakers, following the death of Michael David Hicks, a NASA JPL scientist with nearly 25 years of experience in comet and asteroid research. His daughter, Julia Hicks, told CNN the recent speculation had left her “shaken up,” emphasizing that her father’s death seemed unrelated to the investigation. “From what I know of my dad, there’s no logical path that would implicate him in this,” she added.
“I can’t help but laugh about it, but at the same time, it’s getting serious,” Hicks remarked.
Since then, other JPL-linked figures have also been affected: Frank Maiwald, a space research specialist, died in Los Angeles in 2024. Monica Reza, a 60-year-old aerospace engineer, vanished while hiking in a Los Angeles forest in June 2025. William Neil McCasland, a retired Air Force major general, disappeared from his Albuquerque home on February 27, 2026, leaving behind his phone, glasses, and wearable devices. The FBI is now assisting in the search for him.
McCasland was involved in advanced Pentagon aerospace projects and once led the Air Force Research Laboratory. Months after his disappearance, no definitive answers have emerged about his whereabouts, motives, or possible involvement of others. His wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, dismissed theories linking his vanishing to his work, which has long been associated with the Roswell incident, though the Air Force has denied such claims.
The White House has joined the effort to explore potential connections, with President Donald Trump describing the matter as “pretty serious stuff.” House Oversight Chair James Comer stressed the committee’s urgency, stating, “It’s very unlikely that this is a coincidence.” Congress now views the issue as a critical national security concern.
