A Dartmouth College sorority and two fraternity members have been charged with underage alcohol offenses following the drowning death of a 20-year-old student, Won Jang, after an off-campus party this summer.
Authorities reported that Mr. Jang attended a party hosted by the sorority Alpha Phi on July 6, where most attendees, including him, were underage and consumed alcohol provided by members of his fraternity, Beta Alpha Omega.
According to a police department release from Hanover, N.H., Alpha Phi has been charged with a misdemeanor for hosting an event where underage drinking occurred. Additionally, two members of Beta Alpha Omega, who are of legal drinking age, were each charged with a misdemeanor for supplying alcohol to those under 21.
On the night of the party, attendees went swimming in the Connecticut River. Many left as a heavy rainstorm approached, but Mr. Jang, who his family stated could not swim, remained behind.
Mr. Jang's body was discovered in the river the day after the party. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as drowning, with a toxicology report indicating a significant level of impairment due to alcohol consumption.
Lt. Michael Schibuola of the Hanover Police Department clarified that an investigation into potential hazing was conducted but concluded that it did not play a role in Mr. Jang's death.
Dartmouth College responded by suspending Alpha Phi and Beta Alpha Omega and initiating an internal investigation following the incident. A college spokesperson emphasized the responsibility of Greek organizations to maintain a safe and respectful community.
Representatives from Alpha Phi and the students charged were unavailable for comment. A lawyer for one of the charged students stated that the allegations regarding alcohol provision were unrelated to the subsequent tragedy.
At the time of Mr. Jang’s death, Beta Alpha Omega was on alcohol probation due to a prior suspension, while Alpha Phi had recently had its probation lifted.
Mr. Jang, a biomedical engineering major from Delaware and a member of the class of 2026, was noted for his involvement in entrepreneurship, research, and mentoring international students, as well as being active in the school’s student band scene.
His girlfriend, Lydia Jin, remarked on his aspirations in the scientific field, expressing that he was “the kindest person” she knew.
Lieutenant Schibuola indicated that Mr. Jang’s family is focused on preventing similar tragedies in the future, and the police have collaborated with Dartmouth to enhance safety measures near the river.
“This is a very tragic event,” he stated. “Hopefully the message gets out to members of the Greek community and the college in general that you have to be responsible.”