Authorities have charged two Dartmouth College fraternity members and the Alpha Phi sorority following the tragic drowning of Won Jang, a 20-year-old student, earlier this year. Jang's body was discovered on July 7 after he attended a party hosted by the sorority, where underage drinking took place.
Jang, originally from Middletown, Delaware, was found near the Connecticut River following the party, which was attended mostly by fellow students under the legal drinking age of 21. Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, both members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, were charged with misdemeanors for illegally providing alcohol during the event. The Alpha Phi sorority itself was also charged with facilitating the underage drinking.
Reports indicate Jang had been drinking at the party before making what would prove to be a fateful decision to go swimming. According to the Hanover Police Department, several attendees decided to jump in the river after the party, but as they were swimming, a heavy rainstorm forced many to leave the water quickly. It was during this chaotic moment when no one realized Jang, who could not swim, was missing.
When Jang did not return home the following day, worried friends contacted the police. A search operation was initiated, leading to the recovery of his body approximately 65 feet from the riverbank on July 8. An autopsy later revealed Jang's death was due to drowning, with toxicology reports indicating his blood alcohol content at the time was 0.167, which is more than twice the legal limit for adults.
Following Jang's death, Dartmouth College took immediate action by suspending both the Alpha Phi sorority and the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity. These organizations were already under scrutiny, having faced prior incidents resulting in alcohol probation. Currently, both suspensions remain effective as Dartmouth continues its internal investigation.
Jana Barnello, the college's spokesperson, expressed the institution's deep sorrow over Jang's death, noting the responsibility Greek organizations have toward ensuring the safety of all students. "Dartmouth has long valued the contributions of Greek organizations when they operate within their stated values and standards. These organizations, as well as all students, have the responsibility to uphold the safety, respect, and inclusivity of our community," Barnello stated.
Recently, Dartmouth has also announced initiatives to bolster student safety near potentially dangerous areas. This includes the introduction of “free swimming lessons” for freshmen and strengthened security patrols along the riverbanks. Enhanced lighting and clearer signage are part of the design to alert students about the dangers around the swimming docks.
Lieutenant Michael Schibuola of the Hanover Police mentioned the department conducted thorough investigations to determine if hazing played any role in the incident but concluded it was not a factor. Jang's tragic drowning echoes other campus safety concerns seen at universities across the nation. Incidents such as this have led to calls for increased accountability and measures to prevent similar occurrences.
This situation’s sensitivity lies not only within the immediate consequences for the individuals and organizations involved but also within the broader discussions surrounding fraternity and sorority cultures on college campuses. The incident has ignited conversations about student safety, responsible drinking, and the responsibilities of Greek life organizations.
Meanwhile, this incident isn't isolated. Colleges nationwide are grappling with similar issues. For example, just three months before Jang's drowning, another student from Michigan State University met his untimely death under related circumstances, highlighting the urgent need to address safety measures at schools with active Greek chapters.
While the court proceedings for Catrambone and Terry will determine the fate of the fraternity members charged, and the Alpha Phi sorority’s legal status remains uncertain, the university continues focusing on developing policies meant to secure the welfare of all its students. The heartache from the loss of Won Jang serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for reform within campus cultures.
This case has not only impacted the Dartmouth community but serves as part of larger conversations surrounding the efficacy of campus security, especially during social events. Moving forward, the collective hope is to transform these discussions of tragedy and loss—like the one experienced by Jang's family—into concrete actions to safeguard future students.
