Anthony 'Tony' Chavez

Anthony “Tony” Chavez is a retired employee of Los Alamos National Laboratory – the birthplace of the atomic bomb and one of the most sensitive nuclear research facilities in the United States. He worked at LANL until his retirement in 2017. On May 4, 2025, at age 78, he left his home on 37th Street in Los Alamos on foot and was never seen again.

His disappearance is one of two involving Los Alamos National Laboratory employees in the space of weeks – the other being Melissa Casias, an active LANL administrative assistant believed to have held top security clearance, who vanished under nearly identical circumstances less than two months later.

Background

Chavez lived in Los Alamos, the small New Mexico town built around the national laboratory. He was described by those who knew him as being in very good physical and mental condition at the time of his disappearance. He was 5’6”, approximately 135–145 pounds, bald, and wore glasses. He occasionally hiked in Pueblo Canyon near his home.

The specific nature of Chavez’s work at Los Alamos National Laboratory has not been publicly disclosed. LANL conducts research spanning nuclear weapons design, national security science, energy, environmental management, and advanced computing. Employees at the facility routinely hold security clearances.

What Happened

On May 4, 2025, Chavez left his home on foot. The weather was reportedly inclement. He left without his car keys, wallet, or cell phone – suggesting he intended to be gone only briefly. He did not appear prepared for a hike.

He was reported missing to the Los Alamos Police Department on May 8, four days later. The department opened Case #2025-0254.

The Search

The Los Alamos Police Department conducted what they described as an exhaustive search. Officers searched known residences, hiked local trails, distributed flyers, reviewed surveillance footage, and followed up on tips from the public. Multiple agencies coordinated in the effort. Local businesses were canvassed.

Despite these efforts, no trace of Chavez has been found – no body, no clothing, no personal effects. Los Alamos is a small, relatively isolated community surrounded by canyons, mesas, and national forest land. The terrain is challenging but well-mapped.

What Doesn’t Add Up

A 78-year-old man in good physical and mental health leaves his home on foot without his wallet, keys, or phone – and vanishes completely. The items left behind suggest he expected to return within minutes. The inclement weather suggests he was not setting out on a recreational hike.

On its own, Chavez’s disappearance could be attributed to any number of explanations – a fall in rough terrain, a medical event in a remote area. But it did not happen on its own. Less than two months later, Melissa Casias, an active LANL employee, disappeared from her home in Ranchos de Taos under nearly identical circumstances: left on foot, left behind her car, keys, wallet, and phone. Never found.

Two people connected to the same nuclear research laboratory, vanishing from the same state, weeks apart, under matching conditions – this is what drew the attention of Congress and former FBI leadership, as reported by the Daily Mail in April 2026.

Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker told the Daily Mail: “You can say these are all suspicious, and these are scientists who have worked in critical technology.”

Sources

1. “Social Media Pages Voice Concern About Anthony ‘Tony’ Chavez Of Los Alamos, Last Seen May 4,” Los Alamos Reporter, May 12, 2025.
2. “Los Alamos Police Department Continues Search for Anthony Chavez,” Los Alamos Reporter, May 20, 2025.
3. Los Alamos Police Department, Missing Person Report – Case #2025-0254.
4. New Mexico Missing Persons Database – Anthony Chavez
5. Daily Mail – Mystery surrounds death of NINTH scientist tied to US secrets (April 7, 2026).