TikTok Sleuth Raises Concerns Over Missing Neuralink Patient ‘Mike Melgarejo’

Questions Arise as Neuralink’s Patient Vanishes from Public Records

A recent investigation has sparked new controversy around Neuralink, the brain-implant company founded by Elon Musk. A TikTok user, known as Drey, has shared a detailed report alleging that one of Neuralink’s early trial participants — identified as Patient 4, or Mike Melgarejo — has mysteriously disappeared from public records. According to Drey’s findings, the patient’s digital footprint appears to have been wiped, and recent activity suggests that he “is not doing well.”

The revelations were shared on TikTok and Drey’s Substack, The Drey Dossier, where she has been documenting Musk’s Neuralink trials. Her latest post claims that while most trial participants maintain social media profiles tied to their patient numbers, Mike’s online presence has completely vanished. This has raised concerns about transparency in Neuralink’s handling of its high-profile medical experiments.

GoFundMe Page Raises Red Flags About Patient 4’s Condition

Digging deeper, Drey discovered a GoFundMe page reportedly created for Mike in June 2025 — four months after his Neuralink implant surgery. The page stated that he was “ready to give up on life” and facing financial hardship. Even more concerning was a donation of $3,000 from Shivon Zilis, Neuralink’s director of operations and the mother of several of Musk’s children.

The GoFundMe organizer, according to Drey, was affiliated with a major insurance firm handling corporate liability for medical device companies. This connection has fueled speculation that the fundraiser may have been a discreet way to support a struggling patient without publicly admitting potential issues with the implant.

Lack of Transparency Raises Ethical Concerns

The Neuralink case has reignited debate about patient safety and transparency in human trials involving brain–computer interfaces. Drey’s report questions why Neuralink has not disclosed details about Mike’s condition, whether his mental state has been reported to the FDA, and if his current struggles are linked to the implant.

While Neuralink has showcased videos of several participants demonstrating partial success with the chip, no official updates about Patient 4 have been released since the company’s funding announcement earlier this year. Critics argue that if Mike’s health has deteriorated, Neuralink is ethically obligated to provide support and report all developments transparently.

Elon Musk and Neuralink Under Renewed Scrutiny

Elon Musk’s ambitious brain-tech company has long drawn both fascination and skepticism. The Neuralink implant, designed to allow users to control digital devices with their thoughts, has been hailed as a breakthrough in neurotechnology. However, allegations like Drey’s reignite longstanding concerns about patient welfare and the adequacy of oversight in the company’s experimental phase.

As Musk continues to promote Neuralink as a life-changing technology, questions remain unanswered about the fate of early test subjects like Mike Melgarejo. If confirmed, the revelations could put significant pressure on Neuralink to increase its transparency around human trials.

Conclusion

The claims surrounding Neuralink’s missing patient highlight the urgent need for accountability and openness in experimental medical technology. With more eyes turning toward the company’s ethical practices, public trust in Neuralink’s vision may depend on how transparently it handles situations like this one.For continued updates on technology, innovation, and startup developments, visit StartupNews.fyi.