A tragedy unfolded on July 6, 2024, when 20-year-old Won Jang, a sophomore at Dartmouth College, drowned after attending what should have been a celebratory gathering at the Alpha Phi sorority. The incident has now led to criminal charges against two fraternity members and the sorority itself, raising urgent questions about underage drinking and accountability among college organizations.
Jang's body was discovered the next day, floating in the Connecticut River, about 65 feet from the shore, following a frantic search initiated by local authorities. According to the Hanover Police Department, the two students charged, Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, are members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity and face misdemeanor charges for providing alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age. The Alpha Phi sorority has been charged as a corporation with facilitating underage drinking at the party.
Witnesses reported the party was loud and lively, with many attendees consuming alcohol, which was supplied by the fraternity members. The social gathering, held at an off-campus apartment rented by the sorority, was predominantly attended by students under 21, including Jang, who reportedly could not swim.
Police reports indicate the events of the evening took a dangerous turn when several party attendees spontaneously decided to swim. An unexpected downpour prompted many swimmers to leave the water quickly, but Jang was left behind, leading to the tragic circumstances of his disappearance.
The autopsy conducted by the New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Drowning as the cause of death, noting Jang's blood-alcohol level was 0.167, significantly higher than New Hampshire’s legal limit of 0.08. Jang's family revealed their concern about his inability to swim, emphasizing their deep heartbreak over the incident.
Dartmouth College responded swiftly to this tragic event. It immediately suspended both Alpha Phi and Beta Alpha Omega, citing the need for public safety and responsibility from Greek organizations. A college spokesperson stated, "These organizations, as well as all Dartmouth students and community members, have a responsibility to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." This incident came after both organizations had already faced alcohol-related probations for previous violations.
Following the incident, Dartmouth announced several initiatives aimed at enhancing student safety, particularly around water areas. This will include free swimming lessons and increased security measures by the river, with improved lighting and signage near swimming docks. The college also pledged to bolster mandatory water-safety training for incoming freshmen and to establish the position of Director of Greek Life, tasked with overseeing the safety and well-being of students affiliated with Greek organizations.
Community members and students at Dartmouth expressed their shock and sorrow over Jang’s untimely passing. One student remarked, "It’s incredibly tragic. I think the school is doing what they can to prevent future occurrences like this." This sentiment reflects the larger response from the Dartmouth community, which has been rocked by the loss of two students to the river within just months of each other.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding Jang’s death and will address any potential changes required to policy and conduct surrounding college parties, alcohol consumption, and safety protocols. The charges filed against the fraternity members and Alpha Phi sorority mark the first significant legal repercussions stemming from this fatal incident, illuminating the potentially deadly risks associated with underage drinking and reckless behaviors often overlooked during college festivities.
This case exemplifies the broader issues of accountability at universities, particularly among Greek organizations, which are often criticized for their culture and practices concerning alcohol. Activists and concerned community members hope this incident will lead to meaningful discussions and changes to prevent future tragedies.
Won Jang was remembered as a promising student with aspirations of becoming a biomedical engineer, and his family is now seeking justice through the legal proceedings against those involved. The grief surrounding this event has sparked conversations about the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students, especially when it concerns the often-fatal impacts of alcohol and peer pressure.
