A tragic late-night swimming excursion following a college party led to the death of a 20-year-old Dartmouth student who could not swim.
According to Yahoo News, two fraternity members and a sorority organization at Dartmouth College are facing criminal charges in connection with the drowning death of Won Jang, whose body was discovered in the Connecticut River following an off-campus party in July.
The Hanover Police Department has charged Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, both 21-year-old members of Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, with providing alcohol to an underage person. Alpha Phi sorority has been charged as a corporation with facilitating an underage alcohol house, as their members hosted the July 6 party where the incident occurred.
The events unfolded when partygoers made an impromptu decision to swim in the Connecticut River after the gathering. A heavy rainstorm prompted many attendees to leave in separate groups, during which time no one noticed Jang's absence. The biomedical engineering major from Middletown, Delaware, was last seen near the river docks.
Police discovered Jang's body the following evening, approximately 65 feet from the shore. An autopsy revealed drowning as the cause of death, with toxicology reports indicating a blood alcohol level of .167. Family members and others close to Jang had informed authorities that he did not know how to swim.
The investigation initially explored potential hazing elements, though the current charges focus on alcohol-related violations. Both fraternity members are scheduled to appear in court in January.
Dartmouth College took immediate action by suspending both the fraternity and sorority following Jang's death. These suspensions remain active while the school continues its internal investigation. Due to federal regulations, the institution cannot discuss specific student disciplinary matters.
Dartmouth's administration has implemented several safety measures in response to the tragedy. These include offering free swimming lessons, enhancing wellness programming, and providing reduced-fee opportunities for students. The Department of Safety and Security has also increased waterfront patrols and improved lighting and signage around the swimming docks.
The college issued a statement addressing the role of Greek organizations on campus:
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.
The loss has deeply affected the Dartmouth community, with former dean Scott Brown remembering Jang as an enthusiastic participant in campus life. The college has established a website offering mental health and wellness resources to help students cope with the tragedy.
The criminal charges represent a significant development in a case that has raised questions about supervision and safety at college social events. The involvement of both individual students and an entire sorority organization as defendants adds complexity to the legal proceedings.
The drowning death of Won Jang, a promising Dartmouth sophomore, has resulted in criminal charges against two fraternity members and a sorority organization. The July 6 party, hosted by Alpha Phi sorority with alcohol allegedly supplied by Beta Alpha Omega fraternity members, ended in tragedy when Jang drowned in the Connecticut River.
As the legal process continues with court appearances scheduled for January, Dartmouth College has responded with enhanced safety measures and support services while maintaining the suspension of both Greek organizations pending their internal investigation results.
