News
Retired US Air Force General William McCasland Missing After New Mexico Hike
Retired US Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, 68, disappeared on February 27 after going for a trail run in Albuquerque, New Mexico. McCasland's disappearance follows President Trump's pledge to release files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life and has stirred speculation, given McCasland's background and a similar disappearance of a colleague in 2025.
Major General William Neil McCasland, who had ties to the UFO community, was last seen on February 27 when he departed his Albuquerque residence for a trail run, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. McCasland, 68, took only a backpack, wallet, and a .38-caliber revolver. Sheriff John Allen stated that a Silver Alert was issued after reports of McCasland experiencing 'mental fog' prior to his disappearance, but had no other known health issues. The disappearance occurred six days after President Donald Trump pledged to release long-awaited files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. McCasland's disappearance has drawn parallels to the disappearance of Monica Reza, 60, who vanished in June 2025 while hiking in a California forest. Reza had worked on a rocket project overseen by McCasland. Authorities and volunteers have been searching for McCasland, and Sheriff Allen said that they are following up on all tips received.
Key Facts
- William Neil McCasland, a retired US Air Force major general, was last seen February 27 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- McCasland reportedly left for a trail run with a backpack, wallet, and revolver.
- McCasland's disappearance occurred shortly after President Trump promised to release UFO and extraterrestrial life files.
- McCasland was considered a 'gatekeeper' and 'participant' within the UFO community.
- A Silver Alert was issued for McCasland due to reports of 'mental fog'.
- Monica Reza, who worked on a rocket project overseen by McCasland, disappeared in June 2025 while hiking.
- The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is investigating McCasland's disappearance and following up on tips.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Daily Mail Online — Rocket scientist and Air Force general linked to UFOs vanish