Dartmouth College has suspended two Greek organizations after a student attending a social event, where heavy drinking was reported, is believed to have drowned in the Connecticut River on Saturday.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Dartmouth announced the suspension of fraternity Beta Alpha Omega and sorority Alpha Phi. This decision comes as the college cooperates with Hanover police in the investigation of Won Jang's death. Jang, a 20-year-old member of the class of 2026, was found in the river on Sunday after being reported missing since the previous evening.
"Dartmouth has suspended two Greek organizations, Beta Alpha Omega and Alpha Phi, as the investigation continues. We are working closely with the Hanover Police Department, which is leading the investigation," stated Dartmouth spokeswoman Jana Barnello via email.
Jang, from Middletown, Del., was a Beta Alpha Omega member residing at the fraternity during "sophomore summer," when sophomores stay on campus before their junior year in the fall.
Under Dartmouth's suspension policy, Greek organizations cannot host events, recruit new members, or collect dues, significantly limiting their participation in Greek life.
Although Dartmouth did not specify the suspensions' reasons, both organizations recently faced disciplinary actions. At the time of Jang's death, Beta Alpha Omega was on alcohol probation after a suspension through the 2023-24 fall, winter, and spring terms, starting June 20 with the summer term. Alpha Phi was on alcohol probation during the fall of 2023 and reinstated to good standing in the winter term.
Hanover Police Chief Charlie Dennis reported that information suggested Jang's presumed drowning might be linked to a social event involving drinking and "hazing." However, it was unclear if the event was official or an unofficial off-campus gathering.
Jang was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday near the docks by Ledyard Bridge and the Dartmouth boathouse. He was reported missing the next day after missing a scheduled appointment on Sunday, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game, which led the recovery operation with Upper Valley police and fire departments.
Neither Beta Alpha Omega nor Alpha Phi responded immediately to requests for comment on Tuesday evening.
