Fatal Boating Crash Claims New Jersey Doctor’s Life

A day of boating in Barnegat Bay turned deadly on Sunday when two men were thrown overboard, and one of them was killed immediately when the circling boat hit him.

Karl Chen, 56, of Princeton, was killed in the accident, according to NJ State Police.

The other man, who has not been identified, received only minor injuries, according to State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.

State Police say the accident happened a little before about 10 am near Intercoastal Waterway buoy 116 off Little Egg Harbor.

Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light received a report of the boating accident at approximately 9:50 a.m. and responded to the scene.

The Beach Haven First Aid Squad and the Coast Guard, the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Co., Long Beach Township police, the N.J. State Police Marine Unit, and Tow Boat US all responded to the scene.

State Police Statement

"Based on a preliminary investigation, a 27-foot Robalo vessel struck a large wake, causing both occupants to be ejected," Lebron said in an email.

"The vessel then continued to circle and struck one of the occupants."

State Police are still investigating the accident.

The Victim Remembered

Chen's Facebook page shows he is an avid boater, fisherman, and father of two.

An online memorial says that Chen was a well-known Princeton area doctor.

Dr. Karl T. Chen was a well-known physician with over 20 years of experience.

 

He was affiliated with several prominent hospitals in the area, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and St. Peter’s University Hospital. A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, Dr. Chen was recognized for his expertise in treating conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other medical concerns.

 

Throughout his career, Dr. Chen was admired not only for his medical skill but also for his compassionate approach to patient care.