Body of Dartmouth student found in river – investigation revolves around alcohol and harassment

July 9 (UPI) – Investigators looking into the death of a Dartmouth College student whose body was found in a river on the edge of the Ivy League university’s campus are turning their attention to possible hazing.

New Hampshire police said 20-year-old Won Jang of Delaware was reported missing Sunday afternoon after “attending an informal social gathering on the docks near the Dartmouth Boathouse” the previous evening.

Advertising

About four hours after Jang was reported missing, dive teams found his body about 20 meters from shore.

“The entire Dartmouth community is mourning the tragic loss of Won Jang,” the college wrote in a statement. “Our counseling team has been assisting the family since yesterday, and Dartmouth is providing all possible support to Won’s parents, family and friends.”

Dartmouth administration said it is working closely with police and has suspended two Greek organizations, Beta Alpha Omega and Alpha Phi, after receiving multiple tips about hazing, alcohol and Jang’s death. Police believe no foul play is suspected.

“We received some anonymous emails from the college detailing some of the concerns that hazing or possibly alcohol may be involved. That will certainly be part of our investigation as we move forward with this process,” Hanover Police Chief Charlie Dennis told WCAX in Vermont. The Connecticut River, where Jang’s body was found, flows between the states of New Hampshire and Vermont.

Police are questioning several students and are asking anyone with information to contact them.

“This is certainly a tragic event. Our condolences go out to the family, friends and others at the college,” Dennis said. “We are seeking any information we can get to conduct a thorough and timely investigation.”

Jang was a member of Beta Alpha Omega, which was disciplined for an incident last fall, according to the college. Jang, who was set to graduate in 2026, was studying biomedical engineering.

“Won has wholeheartedly embraced the opportunities at Dartmouth to pursue his academic and personal passions,” the college’s dean, Scott Brown, wrote in an email to students. “He has enthusiastically participated in the Dartmouth community.”