In New Hampshire, a night of underage drinking ends in death as Dartmouth College mourns the passing of a bright student.#News #New Hampshire #Hanover #Crime
HANOVER, NHA sorority, two fraternity members, and a school community dealing with the fallout from underage drinking have recently been charged with crimes after a heartbreaking party in New Hampshire turned deadly for a Dartmouth College student. In addition to leaving an enduring impression on the college, the tragic death of 20-year-old Won Jang, who drowned after attending an off-campus party, has spurred a renewed call for accountability within Greek life groups.
The Fatal Party
The sorority Alpha Phi threw an off-campus party on the evening of July 6 that would start a chain of events that would ultimately lead to catastrophe. Most of the attendees, including Won Jang, were under the legal drinking age, according to the authorities. Members of the fraternity Beta Alpha Omega allegedly supplied alcohol, allowing the underage partygoers to consume it at will.
A handful of guests made the decision to swim in the neighboring Connecticut River as the evening drew on. However, the majority of the swimmers left when a strong downpour hit the area, unintentionally leaving Jang behind, who according to his family was not a good swimmer.
A Life Cut Short
After Jang was reported missing the next day, a search was conducted and his body was tragically found in the river, some 65 feet from the coast. According to a toxicology study, Jang had a blood alcohol level of 0.167%, which is more than twice the legal limit for adults and eight times the limit for individuals under 21 in New Hampshire. The medical examiner concluded that drowning was the cause of death.
Charges and Consequences
Following the tragedy, the Hanover Police Department investigated and charged two members of the fraternity Beta Alpha Omega and the sorority Alpha Phi. While the two fraternity brothers, who are both of legal drinking age, have been charged with misdemeanors for supplying alcohol to children, Alpha Phi is facing a misdemeanor charge for facilitating an underage alcohol house.
Although hazing was looked into as a possible contributing reason to Jang’s death, it was eventually ruled out, according to Hanover Police Department Lt. Michael Schibuola.
Dartmouth s Response and Responsibility
Following Jang’s passing, Dartmouth College acted quickly, suspending Alpha Phi and Beta Alpha Omega until the conclusion of an internal investigation. Greek organizations have a responsibility to make Dartmouth a community that is safe, courteous, egalitarian, and welcoming to all of its members, according to a statement released by college spokesperson Jana Barnello.
When Greek life operates in accordance with its declared ideals and norms, the institution recognized the positive effects it may have on the student experience. But the statement also acted as a profound reminder that these groups, as well as all Dartmouth students and community members, are accountable for preserving a safe and friendly atmosphere.
A Community Forever Changed
The Dartmouth community has been forever changed by Won Jang’s passing, which has led to a time of reflection, grief, and a renewed dedication to student safety. The tragic events of that July night serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from underage drinking and the significance of fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability within campus organizations, even as the college continues its internal investigation and conduct process.
Although Alpha Phi and the members of Beta Alpha Omega may receive some justice as a result of the criminal accusations against them, the real victims of this tragedy are the people whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the death of a young student who had a bright future. It is imperative that actions be taken to stop similar tragic events from happening in the future so that no other family must suffer the loss of a loved one in such a senseless way, even as the Dartmouth community joins together to grieve and remember Jang.
Associated Topics: New Hampshire Crime
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