Ninth US scientist linked to classified programs dies mysteriously

A ninth American scientist involved in sensitive US programs has died or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Michael David Hicks, a NASA JPL researcher who worked on asteroid and comet missions, died July 30, 2023, at age 59. His cause of death is undisclosed, and no autopsy was found. This case is among at least nine recent incidents involving individuals linked to secret US space or nuclear programs, raising national security concerns.