The Tragic Legacy Of Dr. Karl Chen: 7 Facts About The Princeton Physician And The Barnegat Bay Accident

The community of Princeton, New Jersey, and the wider medical field are still mourning the profound loss of Dr. Karl Chen, a highly respected Internal Medicine specialist and a dedicated family man. His life was tragically cut short in a devastating boating accident in Barnegat Bay, an event that sent shockwaves through the local area and served as a stark reminder of the dangers on the water. This article, updated on December 10, 2025, provides a comprehensive look into the life, career, and the specific details surrounding the tragic incident that claimed the life of the 56-year-old physician. Dr. Chen was more than just a physician; he was an integral part of the Mercer County and Middlesex County communities, known for his decades of service and his passion for the New Jersey outdoors, particularly fishing. The details of the accident, which involved his own vessel off the coast of Little Egg Harbor, have been widely reported by the New Jersey State Police and continue to highlight the critical importance of boating safety protocols.

Dr. Karl Chen: A Biographical and Professional Profile

Dr. Karl Timothy Chen, MD, was a fixture in the New Jersey medical community for nearly three decades, building a reputation for compassionate and comprehensive patient care. His life was characterized by professional dedication and a deep connection to his home state.

• Full Name: Karl Timothy Chen, MD
• Age: 56 years old (at the time of his passing)
• Residence: Princeton, New Jersey (Mercer County)
• Primary Profession: Internal Medicine Specialist/Physician
• Years of Experience: 29 years in the medical field
• Primary Practice Locations: New Brunswick, NJ, and East Brunswick, NJ
• Hospital Affiliation: Saint Peter's HealthCare System
• Community Standing: Widely respected and considered a significant loss to his community.
• Personal Interests: An extremely avid fisherman, frequently sharing his passion on New Jersey-related fishing social media accounts.
• Family: He was reportedly with another individual, believed to be his son, who sustained minor injuries during the tragic incident.

Dr. Chen’s long tenure as a specialist in Internal Medicine meant he served thousands of patients over his career, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of complex illnesses in adults. His practice in the New Brunswick and East Brunswick areas solidified his role as a key healthcare provider in Central New Jersey.

The Tragic Barnegat Bay Accident: A Detailed Account

The circumstances surrounding Dr. Karl Chen’s death are particularly heartbreaking, involving a sudden and violent ejection from his own boat. The incident occurred in a popular recreational area, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the open water. The fatal event took place on a Sunday morning, a day Dr. Chen was likely enjoying his favorite pastime—fishing—on the Barnegat Bay. The location was near the Intercoastal Waterway buoy 116, off the coast of Little Egg Harbor Township, which is part of Ocean County, New Jersey.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Fatality

The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau provided a detailed report on the tragedy. The investigation determined the following sequence:

1. The Vessel: Dr. Chen was operating a 27-foot Robalo center console boat, a popular type of vessel for offshore fishing in the region. He was accompanied by one other person, a 28-year-old man who was not identified in early reports but was later confirmed to be his son.

2. The Wave: The boat encountered a large wake or wave, causing the vessel to pitch violently. This sudden movement was powerful enough to throw both Dr. Chen and his passenger overboard into the bay.

3. The Fatal Strike: Crucially, when Dr. Chen was ejected, the boat’s engine did not shut off. The vessel began to circle uncontrollably, a phenomenon known as the "circle of death," which is a severe hazard when an operator is thrown from the helm.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

4. The Rescue Attempt: While the boat circled, the out-of-control vessel tragically struck Dr. Chen, inflicting fatal injuries. The other person on board suffered only minor injuries and was later rescued.

The New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene, but Dr. Chen was pronounced dead at the location. The tragic nature of the accident—being killed by his own boat—was a devastating detail that resonated with the coastal and boating communities across Long Beach Island (LBI) and the Jersey Shore.

A Legacy of Service and The Call for Boating Safety

The death of Dr. Karl Chen is not only a personal tragedy for his family and patients but also a significant loss for the Central New Jersey community. His life serves as a powerful testament to the dedication required of a long-serving physician and an unintended, somber reminder of the need for vigilance on the water.

The Physician’s Impact on Central New Jersey

As an Internal Medicine physician affiliated with Saint Peter's HealthCare System, Dr. Chen's daily work involved managing the complex health needs of his adult patients. Colleagues and patients alike described him as a compassionate professional who was deeply committed to his calling. His 29 years of experience meant he was a trusted figure, and the sudden void left in his practice has been felt acutely by the community. The outpouring of condolences on various local and professional platforms highlighted the extent of his positive influence.

The Fisherman’s Passion and Community Connection

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Chen was well-known in the local fishing community. His status as an "avid fisherman" who was active on New Jersey fishing social media accounts shows a man who embraced the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Garden State. This hobby connected him to a different, yet equally passionate, segment of the community, making his loss doubly impactful.

The Boating Safety Reminder

The specific mechanics of the Barnegat Bay tragedy—the boat circling after the operator was ejected—has reignited discussions about essential boating safety measures. This type of accident is often preventable with the use of a simple, inexpensive device: the engine cut-off switch (ECOS), commonly known as a kill switch.

The ECOS is a safety lanyard that attaches the boat operator to the ignition switch. If the operator is thrown from the helm, the lanyard pulls the switch, immediately cutting the engine and preventing the boat from becoming an out-of-control, deadly projectile. While New Jersey has laws regarding the use of these devices, the incident serves as a critical, painful lesson for all boaters operating high-speed vessels in the busy waters of the Intercoastal Waterway and the Jersey Shore.

The legacy of Dr. Karl Chen, the dedicated Princeton physician, will continue to resonate through the lives of the patients he treated and the friends he fished with. His story is a poignant one, forever linking his professional life in Mercer County and Middlesex County with the tragic, powerful waters of the Barnegat Bay.