Search Intensifies for Missing Retired US Air Force General in New Mexico
The mysterious disappearance of retired US Air Force General William Neil McCasland has taken a new turn with a potential sighting reported near a popular New Mexico hiking trail. The 68-year-old veteran was last seen around 11am local time on Friday near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.
Unusual Circumstances and Possible Trail Sighting
Friends of McCasland have revealed concerning details about his disappearance. The avid hiker and cyclist left home without his watch or phone, which they describe as highly unusual behavior for the physically active outdoorsman. McCasland had recently completed a demanding 60-mile bike ride and was known to frequently visit La Luz and other nearby trail systems.
A potential breakthrough emerged when a woman named Mj Davis posted in the Albuquerque Trail Running Crew Facebook group. She reported possibly seeing someone matching McCasland's description around the same time he went missing on Friday near the Whitewash trailhead in Piedra Lisa Canyon. According to her account, the man was standing off to the side near a bridge over the arroyo at the trail's beginning.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation, responded to the social media post by reminding users to report tips directly to investigators. While authorities didn't publicly dispute the sighting, they emphasized proper reporting channels.
Expanding Search Operation and Official Concerns
McCasland's wife, Susan, posted on Facebook that her husband vanished midday on Friday with no sign of him since. She added that the situation "does not seem to have been foul play at all." Despite this assessment, authorities have expressed serious concerns for McCasland's safety.
The BCSO issued a Silver Alert shortly after McCasland went missing, stating: "Due to his medical issues, law enforcement is concerned for his safety." The New Mexico Search and Rescue confirmed their involvement, telling Daily Mail that teams "were involved in a mission looking for him in the Albuquerque Open Space area Sunday through Monday."
Sheriff John Allen emphasized the urgency of the situation: "Our priority is finding Mr. McCasland safely. Our investigators and search teams are working continuously, and we're coordinating closely with our local, state, and federal partners."
FBI Involvement and Military Coordination
The search has expanded to include federal resources. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office confirmed their involvement on Monday, with a spokesperson explaining: "The FBI Albuquerque Field Office is involved in this investigation, as it is standard practice for the FBI to assist our local law enforcement partners if we have a tool, tactic, or technique that could benefit their investigations."
Col. Justin Secrest, commander of Kirtland's 377th Air Base Wing, told the Albuquerque Journal that the base is working closely with local law enforcement. "Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time," Secrest added.
UFO Speculation and Aerospace Background
McCasland's distinguished military career has inadvertently fueled speculation among UFO enthusiasts. The retired general previously led both the Phillips Research Site and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson in Ohio, facilities that some have linked to secret studies of advanced aerospace technology and unexplained phenomena.
His name became associated with UFO topics following the 2016 WikiLeaks release of emails from John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman. In those emails, musician Tom DeLonge, founder of Blink-182 and the UFO-focused To The Stars Academy, referenced McCasland multiple times, claiming he had advised him on disclosure matters.
DeLonge suggested on a podcast that McCasland was among several insiders advising him on a gradual disclosure of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) information to the public. These claims originate from DeLonge and haven't been confirmed by McCasland or official records.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has long been connected in UFO lore to the alleged study of materials from the 1947 Roswell incident, though official reports attribute the debris to Project Mogul balloons. During his tenure, McCasland oversaw research at Wright-Patterson, managing the Air Force's $2.2 billion science and technology program along with additional customer-funded research.
Public Appeal for Information
Authorities are making a concerted public appeal for assistance. Sheriff Allen urged: "We're asking the public to help by checking and preserving any security camera footage from the area and reporting any information immediately."
The BCSO shared a missing person's report on Facebook with limited details, noting: "Unknown clothing description and unknown direction of travel."
McCasland retired from the Air Force in 2013 and later held private-sector positions, including director of technology at Applied Technology Associates. His Facebook page shows an active lifestyle with numerous pictures of him skiing and hiking in New Mexico's mountains.
Anyone with information is urged to text BCSO at 847411 or call the Missing Persons Unit at 505-468-7070.
