Wayne Mclaren, Former `Marlboro Man' Who Became Anti-Smoking Crusader

COSTA MESA, Calif. - Wayne McLaren, a former "Marlboro Man" who developed lung cancer and became an anti-smoking crusader, died Wednesday. He was 51.

Mr. McLaren, who said he smoked 1 1/2 packs a day for about 25 years and was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, appeared last spring before a meeting of stockholders of Philip Morris Inc., maker of Marlboro, and asked them to limit their advertising. He also made public appearances to warn about the dangers of smoking.

"Some of his last words were: `Take care of the children. Tobacco will kill you, and I am living proof of it,' " said his mother, Louise McLaren.

Mr. McLaren, a rodeo rider, actor and Hollywood stuntman, was one of several dozen models hired in 1975 to appear in Marlboro ads, evoking a tough and handsome smoker's image for the brand.