Won Jang, a 20-year-old Dartmouth College student, tragically drowned in the Connecticut River in July after attending an off-campus party on July 6, hosted by the Alpha Phi sorority and Beta Alpha Omega fraternity members.
Following the investigation, the Hanover Police Department has announced via a press release that Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, both 26-year-old members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, are charged with misdemeanor offenses for providing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, the Alpha Phi sorority is facing a misdemeanor charge as a corporation for facilitating underage drinking at a party held before Won Jang's death.
Dartmouth announced that on July 9, both the Alpha Phi Sorority and Beta Alpha Omega had been suspended pending Dartmouth’s internal investigation into the incident. The statement read:
"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,"
How did Won Jang die?
According to the authorities, towards the end of the party, some attendees 'made a spontaneous decision' to swim in the river near Dartmouth’s student docks. A rainstorm soon hit, causing the group to leave in separate directions.
Unfortunately, 20-year-old Won Jang, who could not swim, was left behind. His body was found by search teams on July 7. An autopsy confirmed that Won Jang drowned, and a toxicology report revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.167 at the time of his death. The New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner's Office determined that Jang's cause of death was drowning.
Despite receiving anonymous tips suggesting hazing was involved in Won Jang's death, Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis clarified to WMUR that there was no indication of hazing being a factor in the incident.
As reported by The Dartmouth, Eric Wilson, Matthew Catrambone’s attorney wrote that Matthew:
“was a devoted friend to Won and remains heartbroken over his passing."
Matthew's attorney then went on to question his client's involvement in Won Jang's death by writing:
"A thorough investigation determined Won’s death occurred as a result of a tragic accident and the decision to charge Matthew with a complaint alleging providing alcohol to others appears to be unrelated to the tragedy that occurred hours later”
How has Dartmouth responded to Won Jang's death?
According to WMUR, a spokesperson with Dartmouth College provided a statement to News 9 in light of the investigation:
"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."
Dartmouth continued by affirming:
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"Students who violate Dartmouth policy are subject to the disciplinary process as outlined in the Student Handbook. Due to federal law, Dartmouth cannot comment on individual disciplinary matters."
The statement also mentioned that they have boosted security around the waterfront area along with enhanced lighting and signage at the swimming docks as part of the ongoing investigation.
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