Former Los Alamos Lab Director dies in New Mexico car crash

Charles McMillan, a prominent figure in U.S. nuclear weapons research, passed away at the age of 69 following a car accident in New Mexico. The incident occurred early Friday morning on Main Hill, close to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he had a significant career. McMillan was hospitalized after a two-vehicle crash that also involved a 22-year-old woman. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. McMillan had an extensive background in nuclear research, having spent nearly 23 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and 18 years at Los Alamos. He served as the director of Los Alamos from 2011 until his retirement in 2017. His leadership was marked by both advancements in scientific research and challenges, including a notable radiation leak incident in 2014 that led to significant penalties for the lab. His contributions to science and technology were widely recognized, with accolades from various officials, including the current lab director and the president of the University of California system. McMillan was credited with advancements in HIV vaccine development, supercomputing, and artificial intelligence, which had far-reaching implications for national security and public health. The loss of McMillan has been felt deeply within the scientific community and among his colleagues, who remember him as an extraordinary leader and scientist. His passing is seen as a significant loss, not only to his family but also to the fields of science and technology he passionately served.