Alabama Aerospace Researcher Found Dead, Adding to String of Scientist Disappearances

Authorities reviewing death of 34-year-old anti-gravity propulsion expert as 11th such incident since 2023

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and theories behind anti-gravity propulsion and aerospace research.A series of unexplained deaths and disappearances of scientists working on advanced aerospace technologies has raised national security concerns.Huntsville Today

Authorities in Huntsville, Alabama are investigating the death of a 34-year-old aerospace researcher who worked on experimental anti-gravity propulsion technology. This marks the 11th such incident of a U.S. scientist or researcher dying or disappearing under suspicious circumstances over the past 33 months.

Why it matters

The string of unexplained deaths and disappearances of scientists and researchers with ties to advanced physics and aerospace programs has raised concerns about potential foul play or national security threats, though officials have not established any verified links between the incidents.

The details

The latest victim, Amy Eskridge, co-founded The Institute for Exotic Science and focused her research on anti-gravity technology that could transform space travel and energy systems. Before her death, Eskridge claimed she was being targeted by a Russian operational group after becoming of interest for intelligence surveillance, alleging her home was being monitored and she received sexual threats.

  • Over the past 33 months, 10 U.S. researchers and scientists have reportedly died or disappeared.
  • Eskridge allegedly died on June 11, 2022 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though officials have not released a full investigative report.
  • In a 2020 podcast interview, Eskridge said she planned to disclose UFO and extraterrestrial research but felt increasing pressure and intrusion.

The players

Amy Eskridge

A 34-year-old aerospace researcher who co-founded The Institute for Exotic Science and focused her work on anti-gravity propulsion technology.

Richard Eskridge

Amy Eskridge's father, a retired NASA engineer who co-founded The Institute for Exotic Science with his daughter.

Rep. Tim Burchett

A Republican congressman from Tennessee who believes some of the missing persons cases across the country may share concerning similarities.

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What they’re saying

“I'm scared, I'm tired. I need to disclose soon, man. I need to publish soon because it's like escalating. It's getting more and more aggressive. This has been going on for like four or five years, and over the past 12 months it's been escalating, like more aggressive, more invasive digging through my underwear drawer and sexual threats.”

— Amy Eskridge

What’s next

U.S. officials have not established any verified link between the incidents of scientists dying or disappearing, but lawmakers have called for greater scrutiny of these cases.

The takeaway

The string of unexplained deaths and disappearances of scientists and researchers with ties to advanced physics and aerospace programs has raised national security concerns, though the exact causes and potential connections between the incidents remain unclear.