Remains found at national forest identified as missing lab worker

Remains found at a national forest in New Mexico were identified as a worker at a nuclear weapons lab who has been missing for nearly a year, according to authorities.

The remains were found in the Carson National Forest, near Taos, New Mexico, about 130 miles northeast of Albuquerque, according to the New Mexico State Police. They were later identified as Melissa Casias, who was reported missing on June 26, 2025, after she did not arrive at work or return home following a visit to her daughter at work.

Casias' remains were discovered by a hiker on May 28, according to police.

Her disappearance previously attracted national attention when lawmakers highlighted the cases of several missing or dead people who had ties to scientific research.

Here's what to know:

Who was Melissa Casias?

Casias was an administrative assistant at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.

The lab's "priority roles are serving as a nuclear weapons design agency and a nuclear weapons production agency; addressing nuclear threats; and performing national security science, technology, and engineering," according to its website.

"The Lab community’s thoughts are with Melissa Casias’ family," Steven Horak, a spokesperson for the lab, told USA TODAY in an email.

Where were Casias' remains discovered?

Casias' remains were discovered at the McGaffey Ridge area of the Carson National Forest, according to authorities.

The area is located around 6 miles from Casias' house, according to NBC News. The area can be reached by a state highway, where she was spotted walking on the day she was reported missing.

What is Melissa Casias' cause of death?

Investigators found a handgun alongside Casias' remains, according to the police. However, the cause of death has not been made public, and an investigation is ongoing.

USA TODAY has contacted the New Mexico State Police.

Casias among list of missing people in federal probe

Casias is not the only person connected to scientific research who has gone missing or been found dead.

USA TODAY previously reported on nine other cases that have captured the attention of the White House, members of Congress and other federal agencies that are looking to see if the cases are connected.

Included on the list are Carl Grillmair, a CalTech astrophysicist, who was shot and killed on his front porch, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer Monica Jacinto Reza, who, like Casias, also disappeared in June 2025, and retired Maj. Gen. William "Neil" McCasland, who was last seen at his home on Feb. 27.

This story was updated to add new information and to meet our standards.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Thao Nguyen

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].