Karl Chen Princeton NJ Accident – Who Was Karl Chen? Dr. Karl T. Chen was a well-known New Jersey internist affiliated with multiple area hospitals and a longtime community physician. He lived in Princeton and practiced primary care/internal medicine out of East Brunswick, where patients and colleagues knew him for his calm bedside manner and devotion to family. Public listings show affiliations that included Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Dr. Chen passed away following a tragic boating incident in Barnegat Bay off Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Initial details came from New Jersey State Police and were widely reported by regional
Karl Chen Princeton NJ Biography
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karl T. Chen, MD |
| Age | 56 |
| Residence | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Profession | Internist / Primary Care Physician |
| Known Hospital Affiliations | Saint Peter’s University Hospital; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital |
| Practice Location | East Brunswick, NJ |
| Education & Training | St. George’s University School of Medicine; Residency at UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital |
| Notable | Widely remembered by patients for compassion and thorough care |
What Happened in Barnegat Bay
Location & Time:
New Jersey State Police responded just before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday near Intercoastal Waterway Marker 116 in Barnegat Bay by Little Egg Harbor Township.
Preliminary Findings:
-
Dr. Chen and another man were on a 27-foot Robalo when it struck a large wake.
-
The impact ejected both occupants into the water.
-
The unmanned vessel circled and struck Dr. Chen, who sustained fatal injuries.
-
The second boater suffered minor injuries and was rescued by a nearby good Samaritan/assisting boaters.
Rescue Accounts:
Local coverage describes nearby mariners and first-aid responders acting quickly—one captain reportedly boarded the circling boat to pull the throttles back while another helped retrieve the survivor. These accounts underscore both the danger of unmanned “circle of death” scenarios with planing boats and the importance of immediate bystander action on the water.
Status of Investigation:
As of August 25, 2025, the investigation remains ongoing per State Police and regional reports.
Community Tributes and Hospital Statements
The loss reverberated across New Jersey’s medical community. Saint Peter’s Healthcare System issued condolences, noting the tragic passing of Dr. Chen and extending thoughts to his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Patients and community members also shared memories on social media, calling him “brilliant,” “compassionate,” and a devoted family man.
About Dr. Karl Chen’s Medical Career
Public physician directories list Dr. Chen as an internist serving the East Brunswick/central New Jersey area, with hospital affiliations at Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Education listings attribute his medical degree to St. George’s University and residency training at UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson. These sources align with how patients remembered him: a physician focused on preventive care, careful follow-up, and straightforward communication.
Why This Story Resonates
Beyond the headlines, this is a story about a neighbor, a doctor, and a father whose work touched lives far from the water where the accident occurred. In tributes and comments, people recalled office visits where he took extra time, phone calls he returned on weekends, and reassurance he offered during hard diagnoses. Those small acts of care add up to a legacy—one that continues in healthier, longer lives for families across New Jersey.
Boating Safety Takeaways
While the investigation continues, boaters can consider a few widely recommended practices that echo the lessons from Barnegat Bay:
-
Use Engine Cut-Off Switches (ECOS): Many boats support a lanyard or wireless fob that cuts power if the operator is ejected, preventing dangerous circling.
-
Maintain Safe Speed & Spacing: Slow for wakes and give yourself time to react to unexpected chop or traffic.
-
Wear Life Jackets: Particularly when seas are choppy, traffic is dense, or when traveling at planing speeds.
-
Brief Passengers: Ensure everyone knows where PFDs are, how to call for help, and what to do if someone goes overboard.
-
Assign a Lookout: A designated spotter helps track hazards and other boats—especially in busy bays and near sandbars.
FAQs
Q1: When did the accident happen?
A: Sunday morning, August 24, 2025, just before 10:00 a.m., in Barnegat Bay near Little Egg Harbor Township, close to ICW Marker 116.
Q2: Who was involved?
A: Dr. Karl Chen, 56, of Princeton, and another man who sustained minor injuries.
Q3: What caused the ejection?
A: A large wake struck the 27-foot Robalo boat, ejecting both occupants according to the preliminary State Police report.
Q4: What do we know about Dr. Chen’s medical background?
A: He was an internist practicing in East Brunswick, affiliated with Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital; he trained at UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson after medical school at St. George’s University
Q5: Is the investigation complete?
A: No. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as of August 25, 2025.
Conclusion
A sunny weekend on Barnegat Bay turned devastating in seconds—and New Jersey lost a physician whom many credit with changing, and even saving, lives. Dr. Karl T. Chen’s passing leaves a deep ache for family, friends, colleagues, and patients. As the investigation continues, the clearest tribute is the one his patients have already begun: carrying forward the healthier years his care made possible, and making the water a little safer for the next family headed out for a ride.
Leave a Reply