Photo: Linkedin
Won Jang, 20, was found dead in the Connecticut River near campus on July 7 after being served alcohol at a party organized by the Alpha Phi sorority Authorities in New Hampshire have charged two Dartmouth College students in the death of 20-year-old Won Jang, whose body was found in the Connecticut River near campus in July.
According to a news release from the Hanover Police Department, two members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, identified as Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, were each charged with a misdemeanor for providing alcohol to a person under 21 during a party on July 6.
Dartmouth’s Alpha Phi sorority also has been charged as a corporation for facilitating an underage alcohol party, per the release. Police said that prior to his death, Jang — who was a member of Beta Alpha Omega — had attended an off-campus party organized by the sorority, where he was given alcohol by the fraternity members. Most of the attendees at the party were under the age of 21 and consuming alcoholic beverages.
Police said that towards the end of the party, several attendees “made a spontaneous decision to swim in the river,” where Dartmouth has docks for students. A heavy rainstorm hit the area, and the party goers began to leave the river, but Jang, who could not swim, was left behind.
Jang’s body was recovered in the river by a search and rescue team on July 7. Police said that, following an autopsy, the New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Jang’s cause of death was drowning. The toxicology report found that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.167 at the time of his death.
“The entire Dartmouth community is grieving over the tragic loss of Won Jang,” the college said in a statement. “Our counseling team has been by the family’s side since yesterday, and Dartmouth is providing every possible support it can to Won’s parents, family and friends.”
Although police said they received several anonymous tips claiming that Jang’s death was a result of hazing, Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis told WMUR that hazing did not appear to be a factor.
A Dartmouth spokesperson told WMUR and 6 ABC in a statement that the college’s Greek organizations have “a responsibility” to keep its members and other students safe.
“Dartmouth has long valued the contributions that Greek organizations bring to the student experience, when they are operating within their stated values and standards,” the spokesperson told the outlets. “These organizations, as well as all Dartmouth students and community members, have a responsibility to ensure Dartmouth remains a safe, respectful, equitable and inclusive community for students, faculty and staff.”
“Following the tragic loss of Won Jang during the summer, Dartmouth immediately suspended both Alpha Phi and Beta Alpha Omega, and an internal investigation was initiated,” the spokesperson continued. “These suspensions remain in effect pending the results of Dartmouth’s internal investigation and conduct process, which is still ongoing.”
The college added that it would not comment on students’ individual disciplinary matters because of federal law, but said it would have increased security presence near its swimming docks as well as more lighting and signage for swimmers.
According to his LinkedIn page, Jang studied biomedical engineering and economics and worked as a research assistant on a project for the engineering school, during which he studied COVID vaccine antibodies. One Dartmouth student told WMUR they hope the school’s Greek organizations can make an effort to protect students.
“I was here this summer when that whole incident happened. Obviously, it’s very tragic. I think the school is doing what they can to mitigate stuff like that in the future,” the unnamed student said. “I’m a part of a Greek organization right now and I can see first-hand we are making the effort to be better at looking out for each other.”
