The scientific community is mourning the loss of Charles McMillan, a former top official in U.S. nuclear weapons research, who died at the age of 69 from injuries sustained in an automobile crash in New Mexico. McMillan had an illustrious career, spending nearly 23 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and about 18 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he served as director for six years before retiring in 2017. He passed away at a hospital after a two-vehicle crash on a road near the laboratory, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to science and technology in service to national security.
University of California President Michael Drake paid tribute to McMillan, describing him as an extraordinary leader, scientist, and human being who made far-reaching contributions to science and technology in the defense sector. The Livermore laboratory, where McMillan spent a significant portion of his career, was established as a university offshoot in 1952 and now operates under federal government management. McMillan’s close relationship with the University of California system was highlighted by Drake’s statement, emphasizing the impact of his work on the scientific community and national security.
McMillan joined Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2006 at the invitation of his friend and mentor, Michael Anastasio, who was serving as director at the time. McMillan held various positions at the lab before assuming the role of director in 2011. During his tenure, McMillan oversaw the lab’s expansion and dealt with safety incidents, including a radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southern New Mexico in 2014. Despite challenges, McMillan’s leadership and dedication to promoting science and technology for the greater good were evident throughout his career.
Director Thom Mason of Los Alamos National Laboratory commended McMillan for his work on developing a vaccine for HIV and enhancing models to understand climate change. Democratic U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico also praised McMillan for his invaluable contributions to the state, science, and national security, highlighting his efforts in supercomputing and artificial intelligence. Nella Domenici, Heinrich’s Republican challenger for U.S. Senate, expressed condolences for McMillan’s family and the scientific community, acknowledging his significant loss.
Authorities in Los Alamos reported that three people were treated for injuries after the crash, with McMillan and a 22-year-old woman being hospitalized. The cause of the accident, which occurred early in the morning, is currently under investigation. McMillan’s unexpected passing has left a void in the scientific community, with many remembering him for his dedication to advancing science and technology in the realm of nuclear weapons research. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation for the betterment of society.
