Alternate theory: Being an inner circle asset for big pharma, he was expected to keep a relatively low profile. Suddenly he's in the public eye boarding a rocket with William Shatner. They can't have a guy with his knowledge gaining influence through publicity, thus becoming harder to control. It's easier to whack a guy that no one recognizes, but it's very risky to whack a celebrity. They had to do it now before he started doing Ted Talks or Dr Phil.

Alternate theory: Being an inner circle asset for big pharma, he was expected to keep a relatively low profile. Suddenly he's in the public eye boarding a rocket with William Shatner. They can't have a guy with his knowledge gaining influence through publicity, thus becoming harder to control. It's easier to whack a guy that know one recognizes, but it's very risky to whack a celebrity. They had to do it now before he started doing Ted Talks or Dr Phil.