Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances Raise Concerns Over US Scientific Research

Unexplained incidents involving scientists linked to NASA, nuclear labs, and pharma under scrutiny

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in muted colors, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and mysteries surrounding the recent incidents involving U.S. researchers.The convergence of unexplained deaths and disappearances among scientists working on sensitive U.S. technological projects raises national security concerns.Los Alamos Today

A series of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving scientists connected to critical U.S. technological and scientific programs has raised national security concerns. Between 2023 and 2026, five individuals with ties to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), nuclear laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies have died, while four others remain missing, sparking suspicions of foul play.

Why it matters

The convergence of these incidents among scientists working in sensitive fields like space exploration, nuclear technology, and advanced medicine has fueled speculation about potential security breaches or coordinated efforts to target U.S. scientific research. The lack of transparency from government agencies has only exacerbated public concerns.

The details

The most recent case involves Michael David Hicks, a 24-year veteran of JPL who died on July 30, 2023, at the age of 59. Three other JPL scientists - Monica Reza, Frank Maiwald, and Carl Grillmair - have also died or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The scope extends beyond JPL, with the disappearance of a retired U.S. Air Force general, two Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, and the murder of a physicist at a Massachusetts research facility.

  • Between 2023 and 2026, five individuals with ties to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), nuclear laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies have died, while four others remain missing.
  • On July 30, 2023, Michael David Hicks, a 24-year veteran of JPL, died at the age of 59.
  • In June 2025, Monica Reza, the director of the Materials Processes Group at JPL, disappeared after going for a hike.
  • In July 2024, Frank Maiwald, a colleague of Hicks at JPL, died at age 61.
  • In February 2026, astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, was murdered at his home.

The players

Michael David Hicks

A 24-year veteran of JPL who contributed to the DART mission and conducted research on the physical properties of comets and asteroids, publishing over 80 scientific articles throughout his career.

Monica Reza

The director of the Materials Processes Group at JPL, who disappeared in June 2025 after going for a hike shortly after assuming her role. She had been leading research on metals for advanced rocket engines, funded by the U.S. Air Force.

Frank Maiwald

A colleague of Hicks at JPL, who died in July 2024 at age 61. He led a study in June 2023 that improved the detection of biomarkers on other celestial bodies.

Carl Grillmair

An astrophysicist who specialized in detecting water on exoplanets and worked on the NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor telescopes, used for monitoring asteroids. He was murdered at his home in February 2026.

William Neil McCasland

A retired U.S. Air Force general who disappeared from Albuquerque on February 27, 2026. He oversaw funding for Monica Reza's advanced materials research and possessed classified information regarding nuclear technology.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can say all of these are suspicious. These are scientists who worked on critical technologies.”

— Chris Swecker, Former FBI Deputy Director

“There are no coincidences in this town. These people have either disappeared or died mysteriously.”

— Tim Burchett, Congressman

What’s next

Investigations by Congress and the intelligence community are ongoing to determine if there is a coordinated effort targeting U.S. scientific research and to ensure national security.

The takeaway

The concerning pattern of deaths and disappearances among scientists working in sensitive fields has raised serious questions about the security of critical U.S. technological and scientific programs. Increased transparency and thorough investigations are needed to address public concerns and safeguard the nation's scientific and technological leadership.