Hawkins National Laboratory produced a fake body that resembled Will Byers to cover up his kidnapping by the Monster.
History
1983
Will Byers disappeared as a direct consequence of an experiment which took place at Hawkins National Laboratory. In the experiment, a monster from another dimension entered Hawkins, Indiana, taking Will back to its home dimension.
The laboratory sought to cover up the truth and prevent further investigation into the mystery. They planted the fake body in the local quarry and instructed state trooper David O'Bannon to find it. The coroners who carried on the autopsy were also hired by the laboratory, replacing the morgue's usual coroner.
After a confrontation with David O'Bannon, Chief Jim Hopper suspected that the body was fake. He later broke into the morgue, cutting open the body with a knife. He discovered cotton stuffing inside, proving his suspicions.