University sorority and fraternity charged after Dartmouth student, 20, dies at party

A tragic incident has led to charges being brought against a university sorority and fraternity after a Dartmouth student lost his life at a party. The 20-year-old student, Won Jang, was served alcohol as a minor at the party and later drowned in a river. The Alpha Phi sorority has been charged as a corporation for one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house, while two members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity have been charged with providing alcohol to a person under 21. The charges stem from an off-campus party where Won was in attendance on July 6. Most of the party attendees were reportedly under 21 years old.

According to Won’s family, he couldn’t swim but joined others for a swim in the Connecticut River after the party. When a heavy rainstorm hit and the festivities abruptly ended, Won was unintentionally left behind. His body was found in the river the next day, approximately 65 feet from the shore. The New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that drowning was the cause of Won’s death, and his blood alcohol level was found to be 0.167%, exceeding the legal limit for both adults and minors.

Dartmouth College responded to the tragedy by suspending both the Alpha Phi and Beta Alpha Omega fraternities and initiating an internal investigation. The college emphasised the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive community for all students, faculty, and staff. Won, a student of biomedical engineering and economics at Dartmouth, was widely involved in research projects during his time at the college.

This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in university environments. It highlights the need for enforcement of rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption and responsible behaviour at social gatherings to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. Universities and student organisations must prioritise the safety and welfare of their members to create a positive and secure educational environment.