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, which also involved a 22-year-old woman. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local authorities. McMillan had an extensive background in experimental physics, having worked 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. Throughout his career, McMillan contributed to various fields, including the development of an HIV vaccine and advancements in climate change modeling. His work was recognized by peers and officials alike, with statements highlighting his extraordinary contributions to science and national security. He was also credited with significant advancements in supercomputing and artificial intelligence. The news of McMillan's death has prompted expressions of sympathy from colleagues and officials, reflecting on his impact on the scientific community and the legacy he leaves behind. His passing is seen as a substantial loss to both the laboratory and the broader scientific community, as well as to his family and friends.