Story perspectives

FBI Probes Scientist Deaths; Officials Warn Against Conspiracy Links

4/24/2026

Left

**FBI Probes Scientists**

Former research-security official Cole Donovan and Harvard scholar Sheila Jasanoff warned linking the cases lacks evidence and could erode trust.
The FBI is leading a multi-agency probe into unexplained deaths and disappearances of scientists with nuclear and aerospace clearances.
Families and Julia Hicks, daughter of JPL scientist Michael David Hicks, say rumors deepen grief.
Rep. James Comer said the committee will review how agencies safeguard scientists with classified material.

Right

**Height Family Rejects**

Height’s family calls conspiracy speculation disgusting, says it deepens their grief, and urges respect amid the federal review.
Biochemist Jude Height, 71, died September 2022 as a vehicle rolled onto him in Chester County, Pennsylvania, ruled an accident.
Colleagues claim the accident report is inconsistent and say a second autopsy suggests homicide.
Height’s daughter says requests for records have been denied.

Center

Scientists Under Scrutiny

Science writer Mick West calculated deaths, homicides and suicides among 700,000 workers over 22 months far exceed any alleged pattern.
Federal investigators are reviewing deaths and disappearances of ten people linked to U.S. research facilities, with families saying explanations exist.
Carl Grillmair was shot dead in Llano, California, where suspect Freddy Snyder has been charged.
General William Neil McCasland disappeared from New Mexico home on 27 February, his wife reported.

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**FBI Probes Scientists**

Former research-security official Cole Donovan and Harvard scholar Sheila Jasanoff warned linking the cases lacks evidence and could erode trust.
The FBI is leading a multi-agency probe into unexplained deaths and disappearances of scientists with nuclear and aerospace clearances.
Families and Julia Hicks, daughter of JPL scientist Michael David Hicks, say rumors deepen grief.
Rep. James Comer said the committee will review how agencies safeguard scientists with classified material.

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