24 Apr, 2026 · 3 mins to read
Retired Air Force Major General Neil McCasland is the latest person to go missing in a series of unexplained disappearances. Photo / Susan McCasland Wilkerson
A nuclear physicist murdered outside his house. An aerospace engineer who disappeared during a hike. A retired Air Force general who left home and wasn’t seen again.
These are just three of the 10 people who have died or disappeared since 2022 who had access to sensitive American nuclear, aerospace and defence secrets.
The White House has now thrown its support behind an FBI investigation into the cases to determine whether there is any link between them.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration is working with the FBI and other agencies to review the cases “holistically” and look for any commonalities.
“No stone will be unturned in this effort,” she said.
The announcement comes as lawmakers express growing concern about a possible “sinister” pattern involving scientists and experts with high-level security clearances.
The cases
The incidents span several years and involve individuals connected to key US national security programs, including nuclear weapons research, aerospace engineering, and classified space projects.
Among the most recent is Retired Air Force Major General William “Neil” McCasland, who disappeared from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 27, 2026. The experienced hiker left behind his phone, glasses and wearable devices. His wife told authorities she feared he “planned not to be found.” McCasland had deep ties to classified space programs and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, long associated with UFO-related rumours.
Other cases include:
- A nuclear physicist shot dead outside his home.
- An aerospace engineer who vanished while hiking.
- Multiple other deaths and disappearances involving experts from institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory and those linked to NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and defence contractors.
At least 10–11 such cases have been reported since 2022, prompting congressional interest and briefings.
Government response
The FBI is now conducting a coordinated review, described by some as “link analysis,” to check for any connections in research fields, security clearances, or potential foreign involvement (such as espionage).
The White House emphasised that while no definitive link has been proven, the cases warrant serious investigation due to national security implications.
Lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee are also seeking more information and have launched their own inquiries.
Context and speculation
Some experts and commentators have raised concerns about possible foreign interference, targeted killings, or internal issues. Others caution against jumping to conspiracy theories, noting that scientists in high-stress fields can face personal issues leading to accidents or voluntary disappearances.
The FBI and White House have stressed they will follow the evidence wherever it leads.
This story is developing, with more updates expected as the investigation progresses.
