Mystery over deaths of 9 army scientists as FBI probe lacking US consultants
A growing number of Chinese boffins have died in unusual circumstances, as speculation grows over the 11 American nuclear and space experts who have died or vanished
Zhang Xiaoxin(Image: Real News/YouTube)
At least nine scientists in China have died mysteriously, as questions mount over the 11 American boffins who have died or gone missing.
In several of the Chinese cases, the deaths have reportedly been attributed to accidents, illness or unexplained incidents.
Feng Yanghe, a 38-year-old defence technology professor who died in July 2023, has emerged as one of the most baffling cases.
He was reportedly involved in simulation work linked to a potential Taiwan invasion before his death in a late-night car crash in Beijing. Officials reportedly said Yanghe was leaving a work meeting when the crash happened at 2.35am.
But speculation has intensified after his obituary said he had been “sacrificed while performing official duties”.
Attention has also focused on the fact he was buried in a prominent cemetery usually reserved for national figures, an honour not typically associated with routine accident deaths, the Daily Mail reported.
In another case, Zhang Xiaoxin, a space expert, reportedly died in a car crash in December 2024. Separately, Chen Shuming, a microelectronics specialist, was also said to have died in a similar incident in 2018, according to the Daily Mail.
Chemist Zhou Guangyuan died in December 2023, with no official cause released. Other cases cited are Yan Hong, who died following an illness, and Fang Daining, who died after what was described as an unexpected medical episode abroad.
Both worked in hypersonics. Additionally, drone expert Zhang Daibing and data scientist Liu Donghao are also reported to have died in circumstances that remain unclear.
Despite the increased attention, officials have reportedly not suggested foul play.
At least 11 American experts linked to NASA, nuclear research, aerospace programmes and classified projects have also allegedly vanished or been found dead in recent years.
Many held high-level security clearances, with access to sensitive material on space missions, nuclear technology and advanced defence systems, the Daily Star reported. The disappearance of retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland on February 28 fuelled suspicions that a sinister pattern was emerging.
McCasland was reportedly last seen leaving his New Mexico home without his phone, wearable devices or glasses less than two months ago. He reportedly had only a pistol, and his wife told 911 dispatchers it appeared he was trying “not to be found”, according to the Daily Mail.
The circumstances were described as strikingly similar to four other missing-person cases in the Southwest between May and August last year. All four were reportedly connected to McCasland through his work overseeing the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a site long rumoured to study ET technology since the 1947 Roswell UFO crash.
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