Retired U.S. Air Force General William Neil McCasland, 68, has been missing since February 27 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) issued a Silver Alert due to concerns about his medical condition and safety.
Key Takeaways
Retired U.S. Air Force General William Neil McCasland, 68, has been missing since February 27 near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Authorities issued a Silver Alert due to concerns about his medical condition and safety.
- Possible sighting of McCasland near the Whitewash trailhead in Piedra Lisa Canyon reported on Facebook
- Friends note it is unusual for McCasland to leave home without his watch or phone
- Search efforts include local law enforcement, FBI, New Mexico Search and Rescue, and Kirtland Air Force Base
- Authorities urge public to check security footage and report any unusual activity
The BCSO reported that McCasland was last seen around 11 a.m. near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque on February 27, but it is unclear what he was wearing or the direction of travel. The FBI has joined local law enforcement and New Mexico Search and Rescue in the search efforts.
Friends say McCasland left home without his watch or phone, which is unusual for the avid hiker and cyclist. He is known to frequent La Luz Trail and nearby trail systems. A woman on Facebook claimed she may have seen someone matching McCasland’s description around the same time he went missing near the Whitewash trailhead in Piedra Lisa Canyon. The BCSO responded in the same thread, reminding users to report tips directly to investigators but did not dispute the sighting.
McCasland held several high-ranking positions within the U.S. Air Force, including commander at Kirtland’s Phillips Research Site and Air Force Research Laboratory. He also served as a longtime leader at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and had prior stints at the Pentagon before retiring in 2013.
Colonel Justin Secrest, base commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland, stated that the base is coordinating with local authorities. “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” Secrest said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to text BCSO to 847411 or call the sheriff's Missing Persons Unit at +1 (505) 468-7070. The public is encouraged to check home security footage and report any unusual activity that might help locate McCasland.
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