US Investigating Scientists’ Deaths, Disappearances
President Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jen Golbeck)
President Donald Trump said the White House has begun a formal review of several recent incidents involving scientists connected to the United States who have either died or disappeared. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation circulating online and in tabloid reports about whether the cases might be related.
Speaking to reporters, President Trump said he hopes the incidents turn out to be unrelated. He described the situation as “pretty serious stuff” and said federal investigators would examine the cases in the near future.
According to a report by USA Today, at least 10 deaths or disappearances could be included in the review. The individuals involved had different types of connections to scientific work, and in some cases those links were indirect. Coverage by CBS News also examined the incidents but noted there is skepticism about whether any meaningful connection exists among them.
One of the most prominent cases involves retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland, 68, who previously led the Air Force Research Laboratory. McCasland disappeared in February in New Mexico and a Silver Alert was issued citing unspecified medical concerns. Authorities have said they have not found evidence suggesting foul play, and he is still missing.
The list of incidents stretches back to July 2023, when NASA astrophysicist Michael David Hicks died. No official cause of death has been publicly released in that case.
Other deaths that have drawn attention include California Institute of Technology astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, who was shot and killed in February, and Novartis researcher Jason Thomas, whose body was discovered in a Massachusetts lake several months after he was reported missing.
The Department of Energy’s nuclear security division is also reportedly reviewing the incidents. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is working with the FBI and other federal agencies as part of the inquiry and said officials are committed to fully investigating the matter.
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