Sorority and 2 Fraternity Members Charged in Death of Dartmouth College Student

Mar. 15, 2025

Won Jang.Photo:Linkedin

Linkedin

According to anews releasefrom the Hanover Police Department, two members of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, identified as Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, were each charged with a misdemeanor for providing alcohol to a person under 21 during a party on July 6.

Police said that towards the end of the party, several attendees “made a spontaneous decision to swim in the river,” where Dartmouth hasdocks for students. A heavy rainstorm hit the area, and the party goers began to leave the river, but Jang, who could not swim, was left behind.

Dartmouth College.Getty

Getty

Dartmouth previously confirmed to PEOPLE at the time of the incident that it had suspended both Beta Alpha Omega and Alpha Phi.

Although police said they received several anonymous tips claiming that Jang’s death was a result of hazing, Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis toldWMURthat hazing did not appear to be a factor.

A Dartmouth spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement that the college’s Greek organizations have “a responsibility” to keep its members and other students safe.

“Dartmouth has long valued the contributions that Greek organizations bring to the student experience, when they are operating within their stated values and standards,” the spokesperson told PEOPLE. “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 Beta Alpha Omega fraternity house at Dartmouth College.google maps

google maps

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The college added that it would not comment on students' individual disciplinary matters because of federal law, but said it would have increased security presence near its swimming docks as well as more lighting and signage for swimmers.

According to hisLinkedInpage, Jang studied biomedical engineering and economics and worked as a research assistant on a project for the engineering school, during which he studied COVID vaccine antibodies.

One Dartmouth student told WMUR they hope the school’s Greek organizations can make an effort to protect students.

“I was here this summer when that whole incident happened. Obviously, it’s very tragic. I think the school is doing what they can to mitigate stuff like that in the future,” the unnamed student said. “I’m a part of a Greek organization right now and I can see first-hand we are making the effort to be better at looking out for each other.”

source: people.com