Princeton physician tragically killed in a boating accident on the Barnegat Bay

Dr. Karl Chen, a 56-year-old physician from Princeton, New Jersey, tragically died in a boating accident on the morning of Sunday, August 24, 2025, in the Barnegat Bay, located in Little Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County.

The 27-foot Robalo boat Dr. Chen was on struck a large wake while turning, causing both him and the other occupant, identified as his 28-year-old son, to be ejected into the water.

After ejection, the unmanned boat continued to circle in the water and struck Dr. Chen, resulting in his fatal injuries.

The accident occurred near ICW Marker 116 in the Intracoastal Waterway, a busy area in the Barnegat Bay. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 9:50 a.m.

Dr. Chen’s son was rescued from the water by a good Samaritan and was able to walk to an ambulance on shore. He was treated for minor injuries and was reported to be in stable condition.

Multiple agencies responded, including the U.S. Coast Guard (Station Barnegat Light), New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, Beach Haven First Aid Squad, Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Co., Long Beach Township police, and Tow BoatUS. The New Jersey State Police’s investigation is ongoing.

A key point of inquiry is likely whether the boat’s engine kill switch lanyard was engaged, which would have stopped the engine upon ejection and potentially prevented the circling.

Dr. Chen was a beloved and dedicated physician who had been a member of the medical staff at Saint Peter’s University Hospital since 2000. He was remembered by his healthcare system as a devoted doctor, and by friends, patients, and colleagues on social media as a brilliant, compassionate, and kind man who loved his family deeply and was an avid fisherman.

Tributes highlighted his significant impact, with one patient noting he “saved my life” and another stating the “world is a little dimmer” without him. This tragic accident has deeply affected the Princeton medical community and the New Jersey shore area, underscoring the critical importance of boating safety practices, such as using engine kill switch lanyards.