Dartmouth student found dead in river prompts police to investigate bullying

According to local reports, police are investigating whether hazing may have played a role in the death of a Dartmouth student who was found dead in the Connecticut River Sunday night.

The body of Won Jang, a 20-year-old student at the Ivy League university, was recovered 20 meters offshore around 7:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, Hanover police said in a news release. He was reported missing after he was last seen alive near the docks Saturday night.

The search for Jang involved several divers and a sonar team with an underwater camera, which eventually found the body, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Items found near the dock indicated that Jang had not left the river area.

The cause of death has not yet been determined and no third-party liability is suspected, Hanover police said.

“The investigation into this untimely death is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Hanover police station,” the police press release said.

The police received an anonymous report of harassment

Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis said there was evidence that alcohol was involved in the incident and that there may have been hazing at the university, WMUR-TV and WPTZ reported.

“We received an anonymous email from the college this morning saying there may have been hazing involved. We will definitely look into that aspect as well,” Dennis told WMUR-TV.

Jang was attending a social event in the river area and was cited Sunday for failing to show up for an appointment, WMUR-TV and WPTZ reported.

USA TODAY reached out to Dennis for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Dean of Dartmouth expresses his condolences to the community

In a statement to students, Scott Brown, dean of Dartmouth College, expressed his condolences to those who knew Jang.

“We understand this is very difficult news for our community and encourage you to seek support, whether you need a listening ear or guidance to get through this difficult time,” Brown said in a statement. “We have been in touch with Won’s fraternity brothers and other friends.”

The school said Jang “enthusiastically participated in the Dartmouth community,” was a member of a fraternity, a snowboarder on the school’s official team and someone who formed his own band. Jang studied biomedical engineering and is in the class of 2026, the student newspaper The Dartmouth reported.

“Won has wholeheartedly embraced the opportunities at Dartmouth to pursue his academic and personal passions,” Brown said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Death of Dartmouth College student Won Jang sparks bullying investigation