N.J. scientist killed in charity bike ride

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A noted scientist taking part in a weekend charity bicycle ride to raise money for troubled children was killed when he crashed his bike into a car that was stopped at an intersection in North Jersey.

Doug McCune of Princeton Township was pronounced dead at the scene Saturday in Clinton Township. He was wearing a helmet, authorities said, but further details on his injuries were not disclosed.

A cause of death had not been determined, and Hunterdon County prosecutors said it was unlikely that any charges would be filed.

McCune, 55, was an award-winning scientist who developed sophisticated software used around the world to understand the physics of fusion experiments. A magna cum laude graduate of Yale University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, he was a coleader of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory's computational plasma physics group.

McCune was taking part in the 33d annual "Ride for Runaways," which benefits Anchor House, a Trenton shelter for abused and neglected children.

He had ridden in the event for 16 years, and his death occurred on the final day of the 500-mile, seven-day ride between Jamestown, N.Y., and Lawrence.

McCune had biked about 10 miles of the 48-mile final stretch to Hopewell when the accident occurred, officials said. His bike struck the rear of a vehicle driven by a Clinton woman waiting to make a left turn, police said.

McCune was among more than 200 riders in this year's event, which raised more than $410,000. Citing his longtime dedication, Anchor House officials said they were "grieving the loss of a wonderful person and supporter."

McCune's death is the second in the event's history. In 1998, a car hit and killed 15-year-old Hopewell boy as he was completing the final leg.