A sorority and two fraternity members at Dartmouth College are facing charges following the tragic drowning of 20-year-old student Won Jang, whose death has put the spotlight on issues of underage drinking and the responsibilities of Greek life organizations on campus.
The incident took place on July 6, 2024, when Jang attended a party hosted by the Alpha Phi sorority at an off-campus venue. The gathering involved numerous attendees, many of whom were underage and consumed alcohol allegedly provided by members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity.
According to reports from the Hanover Police Department, things took a deadly turn when some partygoers, including Jang, spontaneously decided to swim in the Connecticut River. Heavy rain soon followed, prompting many attendees to flee the water and return to safety, leaving Jang behind. Tragically, his family informed investigators he was unable to swim.
The search for Jang was extensive, with local and state emergency responders scouring the area. Sadly, his body was discovered the next day, floating about 65 feet from the shore. An autopsy later revealed Jang had drowned and had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.167%, significantly above the legal limit for driving.
Following police investigations, two Beta Alpha Omega members, Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, were charged with misdemeanors for providing alcohol to individuals under 21. The Alpha Phi sorority also faces charges for facilitating the underage drinking event, highlighting the serious legal repercussions connected to the incident.
"At the end of the party, several attendees made a spontaneous decision to swim in the river," police reported. "While at the river, heavy rain hit the area, and many individuals then left the river in various groups. No one noticed Jang was unaccounted for." This negligence has sparked conversations surrounding the safety of college parties and the responsibilities of those who host them.
Following the tragedy, Dartmouth College took swift action, suspending both the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority. The college stated, "Dartmouth has long valued the contributions Greek organizations bring to the student experience when they adhere to stated values and standards. All community members share the responsibility of ensuring Dartmouth remains safe and respectful for students and staff."
The college's suspension of the organizations will remain until the completion of internal investigations.
Won Jang was known not just for his involvement with the fraternity but also for his academic prowess; he was studying biomedical engineering, having graduated as valedictorian from Middletown High School just two years prior. His ambitions included becoming a research scientist, and colleagues described him as someone who embraced opportunities at Dartmouth—taking part in various academic and extracurricular roles.
When news of his passing broke, the dean of Dartmouth College, Scott Brown, encouraged the community to seek support. He acknowledged the difficulties the news posed and commemorated Jang’s contributions to the college.
The investigation continues, raising questions about Greek life practices, liability at college parties, and the broader culture surrounding alcohol consumption among college students. Many institutions are now reflecting on their protocols to prevent similar tragedies, hoping to promote safer environments.
During the past few years, alcohol-related incidents at universities across the U.S. have prompted calls for change, leading to discussions on balancing traditions of Greek life with the imperative of student safety. Colleges have begun to redefine these landscapes, implementing stricter regulations and offering resources to combat the dangers of underage drinking.
The charges against Alpha Phi and the two fraternity members serve as poignant reminders of the potential consequences of underage drinking and the responsibilities individuals hold within their organizations. While some may argue such situations stem from isolated incidents, the outcry for accountability continues to grow amid widespread calls for reform.
While the legal consequences are being plotted out, many individuals across campus and the greater community are still grieving the loss of Won Jang. His family and friends continue to honor his memory and legacy, pushing for awareness and change to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
