The Tragic Loss Of Dr. Karl Chen: A Princeton Physician's Life Cut Short On Barnegat Bay

The news surrounding Dr. Karl Chen of Princeton continues to resonate deeply within the New Jersey medical community and beyond, following the tragic and sudden end to his life. As of today, December 12, 2025, the memory of the highly-regarded Internal Medicine specialist is being honored by colleagues, patients, and friends who remember him as a devoted family man and an avid enthusiast of the New Jersey shoreline. His untimely passing in a devastating boating accident has brought a somber spotlight to the risks inherent in even the most cherished recreational activities.

The shock of his death stemmed from the sheer unexpectedness of the incident, which occurred on the open waters of Barnegat Bay. Dr. Chen, a respected physician with nearly three decades of experience, was a pillar of health and care in his professional life, making his death in a sudden, violent accident all the more difficult for the community to process. This article serves as a tribute to his career and a detailed account of the events that led to the tragic loss of a beloved figure.

Dr. Karl Timothy Chen, MD: A Life in Service and the Sea

Dr. Karl Timothy Chen was a man defined by dedication, both to his medical practice and his personal passions. His extensive biography reflects a long and distinguished career focused on patient care and community health in Central New Jersey.

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Personal and Professional Profile:

• Full Name: Dr. Karl Timothy Chen, MD
• Residence: Princeton, New Jersey
• Age at Passing: 56 years old
• Medical Specialty: Internal Medicine Specialist
• Professional Experience: 29 years
• Primary Practice Location: New Brunswick, NJ, and East Brunswick, NJ (620 Cranbury Road, Suite 215)
• Hospital Affiliation: Saint Peter's University Hospital Medical Staff (since 2000)
• Noteworthy Research: Co-authored a paper on the "Effect of extremes of body weight on the pharmacokinetics..." indicating his involvement in clinical research.
• Personal Interests: Avid Fisherman, devoted father, and family man.

Dr. Chen was an established figure in the Internal Medicine field, providing comprehensive care to countless patients over his nearly three-decade career. His practice, located in New Brunswick and East Brunswick, served a wide geographical area, underscoring his reputation as a trusted primary care physician. His long-standing affiliation with Saint Peter's University Hospital, where he was a member of the medical staff since 2000, further solidifies his commitment to the region's healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond the demanding schedule of a busy physician, Dr. Chen was known for his love of the outdoors, particularly fishing. Friends noted that despite his busy practice, he was an "avid fisherman" who spent considerable time on the water, pursuing his passion all year long.

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The Fatal Accident on Barnegat Bay: Uncontrolled Tragedy

The circumstances of Dr. Chen’s death were as sudden as they were devastating, turning a routine weekend outing into a fatal maritime incident. The accident occurred on or around August 24, 2024, in the Barnegat Bay, specifically near the Intercoastal Waterway buoy 116 off Little Egg Harbor Township.

The tragic sequence of events began when Dr. Chen and another occupant were aboard his 27-foot Robalo boat. The vessel reportedly struck a large wake, an occurrence common on the busy waters of the bay. The force of the impact was significant enough to eject both Dr. Chen and his companion from the boat and into the water. The boat, now unmanned, continued to operate at speed, entering a dangerous "circle of death" pattern.

New Jersey State Police confirmed that the out-of-control vessel then circled back and tragically struck Dr. Chen. He sustained critical injuries from the impact and was pronounced dead. The other individual aboard the vessel sustained only minor injuries. The accident served as a stark, painful reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols and the unpredictable nature of open water, even for experienced boaters like Dr. Chen.

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Community Reaction and Lasting Legacy

The news of Dr. Chen’s passing sent ripples of grief through the Princeton, New Brunswick, and East Brunswick communities. The outpouring of condolences highlighted his stature as a compassionate healthcare provider and a beloved member of his social circles. He was remembered not just for his medical expertise, but for his character—a dedicated "friend, father, familyman."

For his patients, the loss is particularly acute. Internal Medicine specialists often serve as the cornerstone of a patient's healthcare, developing deep, long-term relationships. Dr. Chen’s 29 years of practice meant he had cared for some families across generations. The sudden vacancy in his busy practice has left a void that is difficult to fill, both professionally and personally.

The details of the accident—the large wake, the ejection, the circling boat—have been widely reported by news outlets, including CBS News and People Magazine, drawing attention to maritime safety in the popular Barnegat Bay area. The incident is now part of the historical record of boating tragedies in New Jersey, prompting renewed discussions among the boating community about kill switches and proper safety equipment that could potentially prevent such devastating outcomes.

Entities and Topical Authority: Dr. Chen's Professional Footprint

To fully understand the impact of Dr. Karl Chen’s life, it is essential to recognize the various institutions and locations that formed his professional and personal world. These entities underscore his deep roots in the Central New Jersey region:

• Princeton, NJ: His place of residence, central to his identity.
• New Brunswick, NJ: A key location for his Internal Medicine practice.
• East Brunswick, NJ: The location of one of his medical offices (620 Cranbury Road).
• Saint Peter's University Hospital: His primary hospital affiliation for over two decades.
• Internal Medicine: His medical specialty, focusing on adult primary care.
• Barnegat Bay: The site of the tragic accident, a significant body of water for New Jersey recreation.
• Little Egg Harbor Township: The specific municipality off which the accident occurred.
• New Jersey State Police (NJSP): The agency that investigated and reported on the accident details.
• Robalo Boat: The type of vessel involved in the incident (27-foot).
• Intercoastal Waterway (ICW): The navigational channel near the accident site (buoy 116).
• Pharmacokinetics Research: An area of his academic interest, evidenced by his co-authored paper.
• Avid Fisherman: A crucial LSI entity highlighting his dedication to his hobby.
• Wake/Boating Incident: The direct cause of the ejection and subsequent fatality.
• Mercer County, US: The county where Princeton is located.
• New Jersey Shore: The broader geographical area connected to his passion for fishing.

The memory of Dr. Karl Chen, the dedicated physician from Princeton, will long endure in the hearts of those he treated and those who knew him as a friend and family member. His story is a poignant reminder of a life well-lived in service, tragically concluded by a sudden, unforeseen event on the waters he loved.