Mysterious Deaths, Disappearances of 20 Scientists in US, China Spark Global Alarm

Washington: Strange things are happening to some of the world's top scientists. The deaths and disappearances of scientists are increasing in the US and China. These scientists were working in highly sensitive areas such as nuclear technology, hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, space research, and advanced weapons. 

So far, 11 incidents have been reported in the US, while more than 9 scientists have died in China. While these incidents appear normal, the pattern behind them raises suspicions of conspiracy.

Some have died in car accidents in the middle of the night, and others have suddenly disappeared. However, one thing is common among all these scientists: they have worked in the most innovative areas of military technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), hypersonic weapons, nuclear research, and space defense. All these incidents point to a conspiracy. The question is being raised: is this just a coincidence or a deliberate plot?

How many scientists have disappeared in US?

Eleven scientists in the United States have been identified who died or went missing under unusual circumstances. The latest addition to this list is a young researcher. These include NASA engineers, Air Force generals, and scientists at nuclear labs like Los Alamos.

The most famous case is that of William Neil McCasland, who is a retired Air Force major general. He investigated UFOs (unidentified flying objects) and served as commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory. In February 2026, he left home for a walk and then disappeared. He left his phone, glasses, and smartwatch at home, taking only a revolver with him. He has not been found to date.

Similarly, Monica Reza, an aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was trekking with friends in the California woods. Suddenly, she fell 30 feet behind the trail and disappeared. Rescue teams searched for days, but found no trace. She was working on a super-alloy metal used in rockets.

Joshua LeBlanc, a 29-year-old engineer working on NASA's nuclear propulsion project, died in a fire in his Tesla car. His family said he failed to arrive for work and left his phone and wallet at home.

Melissa Casias, an administrative assistant at the Los Alamos Nuclear Lab, and Anthony Chavez, a retired scientist, also disappeared. In many cases, the scientists left their homes and never returned.

What about suspicious deaths of scientists in China?

Similar cases are also increasing in China. At least nine scientists have died in the past few years. In most cases, the cause of death has been attributed to accidents or sudden illness, while in some cases, the cause has not been disclosed. The scientists ranged in age from 26 to 68.

The most high-profile case is that of Feng Yanghe. The 38-year-old professor worked at the National University of Defense Technology, developing an AI simulation model related to Taiwan. He died in a car accident in Beijing at 2:35 am in July 2023. The official report described his death as "sacrifice in the line of duty," a term commonly used for military personnel.

Is it conspiracy or just coincidence?

Republican Congressman Eric Burlison said that while China, Russia, and Iran are competing for nuclear, space, and advanced weapons, top American scientists are disappearing. He suspected this was a foreign operation.

President Donald Trump has called it pretty serious stuff. The FBI has launched an investigation. Many former officials and lawmakers believe that enemy nations are targeting scientists to undermine American technology.

So far, there's no concrete evidence that this is a major conspiracy. Some experts say that with so many people in such large organizations (NASA, Air Force, etc.), some accidents or suicides could have occurred. But the pattern of events, leaving home without a phone or wallet, walking, and then disappearing, seems quite suspicious.