Darkvantsen Bioengineering Project In Limbo After Unexpected Death of Supervisor

LYNDON, VT—The bioengineering project that captivated Lyndon State College and the local scientific community as a whole has been thrown into limbo after the death of project supervisor Charles Cave.

Cave, a single father who climbed from near-poverty to student to professor to being one of the top members of Darkvantsen's scientific research board, was found dead in his home last week. The unusual scene, which found Cave's seemingly unharmed body surrounded by candles and playing cards, was initially ruled to be a suicide via ingestion of hazardous chemicals—but authorities are now investigating potential foul play regarding the death. The community has been in turmoil after a series of conflicting rumors surrounding his death, each one more gruesome and far-fetched than the last. Police would not comment on their findings at this time.

The bioengineering project was to be the capstone of Cave's career. Funded by “angel investor” HazOBEO, a fellow Vermont scientific aid group, the project attracted both praise and controversy for its theatrical and mysterious nature. Little is known about the science backing the project, apart from a series of mysterious press releases intended to "Make Science Go Viral!" and "Ignite the Spirit of Human Innovation!" among students on campus, and a handful of official documents filed with the state regarding the termination of their funding when it was revealed to be taking place on a live human subject. The results of the project were planned to be intentionally obscured until its grand presentation to the community—a presentation that will now never happen.

The unfortunate death comes just days after an internal memo made a splash on campus when it referenced potential complications with the project.

Cave, a widower, is survived only by his daughter Celia, 9.