The disappearance of nuclear lab worker Melissa Casias had been linked to a string of missing person cases involving US scientists, which have fuelled internet conspiracy theories.

The body of Melissa Casias, an administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory, was found in the McGaffey Ridge area of the Carson National Forest.

Casias, 53, had been missing for nearly a year after she didn’t show up for work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. A gun was found near the remains, authorities said.