Authorities in New Hampshire have charged two Dartmouth College fraternity members in the death of 20-year-old student Won Jang. Per ABC News, Jang, 20, was found dead by the Connecticut River on the school’s New Hampshire campus in July.
The Hanover Police Department said in news release that 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.
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. According to the Hanover Police Department, 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 Jang – who could not swim – was left behind. His body was recovered in the river by a search and rescue team on July 7. Following an autopsy, the New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Jang’s cause of death was drowning, with a oxicology report later finding that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.167 at the time of his death.
Dartmouth College said in a statement: “The entire Dartmouth community is grieving over the tragic loss of Won Jang. 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.”
A Dartmouth spokesperson added 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. 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. 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 be increasing security presence near its swimming docks as well as more lighting and signage for swimmers.
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