OAN’s James Meyers
8:30 AM – Tuesday, July 9, 2024
A 20-year-old Dartmouth College student was found dead in the Connecticut River over the weekend as police are investigating if he’d been hazed.
Won Jang, was last seen during a social event Saturday night near the Dartmouth boathouse along the Connecticut River.
The Delaware native was reported missing the following day and after authorities searched for several hours, his body was found Sunday evening about 65 feet offshore, the Hanover Police Department said in a release.
“There is some evidence of alcohol involved, certainly from witnesses and talking with things like that,” Police Chief Charles Dennis told WMUR.
“Again, that’s all part of our investigation. We did receive an anonymous email this morning through the college that there may be some hazing involved, so we certainly will look into that aspect, too,” Dennis added.
Dartmouth College told the station that the fraternity Jang belonged to was disciplined for an unspecified incident that took place last fall.
Jang, who was a part of Beta Alpha Omega, was one of four frats at the University to be suspended over violations of community standards, The Dartmouth reported.
The missing student had been taking part in Sophomore Summer, which is a time for incoming juniors to stay on campus and participate in an immersive and more relaxed summer course, according to the university’s website.
According to the student newspaper, the 20-year-old member of the Class of 2026 served as a project manager at the DALI lab, a research assistant at the Thayer School of Engineering and was a mentor for international students as well.
“Won was always an amazing guy. I don’t think there was ever a time when I didn’t see him with a smile on his face,” his friend Kledian Marinaj said.
“I had just been talking to him to make plans to grab a meal sometime. Of course, I was very upset when I first got the news, so I met up with friends around here, and we went on a walk talking about all the great things about Won, about how he makes jokes and makes people laugh.”
“Won wholeheartedly embraced opportunities at Dartmouth to pursue his academic and personal passions,” dean of the college Scott Brown wrote in an email to campus. “He enthusiastically took part in the Dartmouth community.”
Meanwhile, police are investigating Jang’s death, but said foul play is not suspected.
WCAX in Vermont reported that police received multiple tips about hazing possibly being involved in Jang’s death.
Anyone with information about Jang’s death is asked to call the Hanover Police Department.
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