A chilling mystery has gripped Albuquerque, New Mexico, as William “Neil” McCasland, a 68-year-old retired Air Force general, vanished without a trace nearly two weeks ago. His wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, shared a desperate plea, stating there’s been absolutely no indication of his whereabouts.
The search has been exhaustive, a testament to the deep concern for the missing man. Dozens of volunteers, alongside official search teams, have scoured the landscape on foot. Horseback riders, drones equipped with advanced technology, and helicopters have joined the effort, complemented by teams of search dogs with specialized skills.
Authorities have issued a silver alert, yet Wilkerson firmly believes her husband’s disappearance isn’t linked to confusion or disorientation. “Neil is at some risk,” she wrote, “but not from dementia.” She also dismissed speculation surrounding his distinguished military career as a primary factor.
While McCasland once held access to highly classified programs during his time in the Air Force, he retired almost thirteen years ago and possessed only standard clearances. The possibility of abduction to extract outdated secrets seems, to his wife, increasingly unlikely.
Before retiring in 2013, McCasland commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a location steeped in history. This base once served as the central hub for a government program investigating unidentified flying objects, stretching from 1947 to 1969.
Adding another layer to the enigma, McCasland had an unusual connection – he served as an unpaid consultant to musician Tom DeLonge of Blink-182, offering expertise on military and scientific matters related to UFOs for the rocker’s creative projects. However, Wilkerson insists this connection doesn’t explain his disappearance.
As days turn into weeks with no sign of McCasland, a touch of dark humor surfaces in Wilkerson’s words. “Maybe the best hypothesis is that aliens beamed him up to the mothership,” she mused, quickly adding that no such sightings have been reported above the nearby Sandia Mountains.
McCasland was last seen at his Albuquerque home on February 27th. He is described as 5’11” with white hair and blue eyes, and is believed to have left on foot. A dedicated outdoorsman, he frequently hiked, ran, and cycled in the Northeast Heights and the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
His Facebook profile paints a picture of a man deeply connected to the mountains, showcasing images of him skiing and hiking both in the United States and abroad. This love for the outdoors is now a central focus of the search.
Initial investigations by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and other agencies have revealed no immediate evidence of foul play. However, authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.
Investigators believe someone may have seen McCasland in the Sandia Mountains on February 27th or 28th, perhaps captured on a GoPro or other recording device. They are imploring the public to share any potential clues.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to text “BCSO” to 847411 or call the missing persons unit at 505-468-7070. They emphasize that even seemingly unimportant details could be crucial to locating him.
Alongside the search, authorities are also reminding hikers of essential safety precautions: choose trails appropriate for your skill level, inform others of your plans, dress in layers, carry sufficient water, and always have a means of communication.
