Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances of Scientists Linked to UFO Research

White House promises investigation into troubling pattern of unexplained incidents

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the complex and enigmatic nature of the recent incidents involving scientists working in sensitive scientific fields.A conceptual illustration depicting the unseen forces and mysteries surrounding the recent deaths and disappearances of scientists linked to advanced space and nuclear research.Los Alamos Today

Over the past few years, a concerning trend has emerged involving the unexplained deaths and disappearances of several prominent scientists, many of whom were linked to UFO and space research. The White House has indicated it will look into these cases, which have drawn the attention of internet sleuths and media outlets.

Why it matters

The sudden and mysterious nature of these incidents has raised alarm bells, as the affected scientists were working on cutting-edge space and nuclear technology projects. Their deaths and disappearances have fueled speculation about potential national security implications and conspiracy theories around UFO research.

The details

Since 2023, at least eight scientists, primarily engaged in space and nuclear science, have died or gone missing under puzzling circumstances. Some of the victims, like Michael David Hicks and Frank Maiwald from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, were involved in asteroid redirection and satellite mapping projects. Others, such as those from Los Alamos National Labs, worked on nuclear weapons development and had top-secret clearances. The most recent victim, Carl Grillmair, was a renowned researcher at Caltech's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, which partners with NASA.

  • In July 2023, Michael David Hicks, 59, died under undisclosed circumstances.
  • In July 2024, Frank Maiwald, 61, also passed away with the cause of death not released.
  • In June 2025, Monica Reza, 60, went missing while hiking in the Angeles National Forest.
  • In June 2025, Melissa Casias, 53, disappeared after dropping off lunch for her daughter.
  • In May 2025, Anthony Chavez, 79, vanished from his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The players

Michael David Hicks

A distinguished scientist who served at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 1998 until 2022, contributing to the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) project.

Frank Maiwald

Also worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, designing a critical instrument for NASA's Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) – Visible to Shortwave Infrared (VSWIR) mission.

Monica Reza

An aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, overseeing the lab's Materials Processing Group.

Melissa Casias

An administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Labs in New Mexico, which developed nuclear weapons for the Manhattan Project.

Anthony Chavez

A former employee at Los Alamos National Labs who retired in 2017.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I haven't yet discussed this with the appropriate agencies, but I will be sure to do so and provide you with an update. Should these reports be accurate, it is certainly a matter that this administration would consider important to explore. I'll follow up on this for you.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The White House has indicated it will investigate the pattern of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving scientists linked to UFO and space research.

The takeaway

The mysterious incidents have raised national security concerns and fueled conspiracy theories, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation to determine if there are any common threads or potential threats to America's scientific community.