Twelve US scientists have gone missing or died since 2022, and the mystery has become a growing concern in Washington. All appeared to have ties to nuclear or space programs, and in some cases, classified projects. Lawmakers, including Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, have sounded the alarm on social media and in Congress.
Investigations Launched
Both Congress and the FBI have launched investigations into the cases. The House Oversight Committee is probing 10 of the cases, writing to the FBI, Pentagon, and Department of Energy warning that these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to national security. Committee Chairman James Comer stated, "We know there are many countries around the world that would love to have our knowledge and nuclear capabilities. And these are the people that were at the forefront of it, and they're either dead or missing."
Key Cases
California Researchers
Frank Maiwald, Michael Hicks, and Monica Reza worked for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, while astrophysicist Carl Grillmair worked for Caltech's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center. Hicks died in July 2023, Maiwald in July 2024, and Reza disappeared in June 2025 while hiking. Grillmair was shot dead on his doorstep in February 2025; a suspect has been charged.
New Mexico Scientists
Retired Air Force General William "Neil" McCasland disappeared in February 2025 while hiking. Melissa Casias and Anthony Chavez, both Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, vanished in June and May 2025 respectively. Steven Garcia, a government contractor, has been missing since August 2025.
Other Deaths
Amy Eskridge, a "genius" antigravity researcher, died by suicide in June 2022. MIT fusion scientist Nuno F.G. Loureiro was fatally shot in December 2025. Biologist Jason Thomas was found dead in a lake in March 2025.
While some cases have suspects or ruled out foul play, the lack of connection has fueled conspiracy theories. President Donald Trump said he hopes it is all just a coincidence.
