Dartmouth College community shaken by student's death; police investigating possible hazing
The death of 20-year-old Won Jang has shaken the Dartmouth College community. Friends of Jang said this is Sophomore Summer, a time when the class is on campus to bond, not mourn the loss of a friend.
"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," 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."
According to Hanover police, Jang was last seen on Saturday in the area of 8 Boathouse Road around 9:30 p.m. According to Dartmouth College, Jang was last seen at a social gathering when he later disappeared.
After an extensive search that lasted several hours, Hanover police said they recovered Jang's body in the Connecticut River approximately 65 feet offshore.
"There is some evidence of alcohol involved, certainly from witnesses and talking with things like that. 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," Chief Charles Dennis said.
Dartmouth College told News 9 the fraternity Jang was in, Beta Alpha Omega, was disciplined for an incident that took place last fall.
News 9 spoke with several of Jang's fraternity brothers, who said they gathered together Sunday night to remember their friend.
News 9 reached out to Dartmouth College about possible hazing on campus.
"The entire Dartmouth community mourns the tragic loss this weekend of one of our students. We are supporting the student's family, friends and loved ones in every way possible, providing extensive grief counseling and working closely with local authorities to help their investigation into the circumstances," said a Dartmouth College spokesperson.
Hanover police are asking anyone with information about Jang's death to contact them at 603-643-2222.