Dartmouth College's Alpha Phi sorority and two fraternity members face misdemeanor charges connected to the drowning death of Won Jang, who died after an off-campus party where underage drinking occurred on July 6.

The misdemeanor charges reflect serious concerns regarding the role of Greek organizations in ensuring student safety, as the underage drinking linked to the party preceded Jang's drowning. This incident has galvanized scrutiny on Dartmouth's Greek life, leading to ongoing suspensions of the involved groups and a college-wide investigation focused on the responsibility of these organizations to foster a safe and responsible environment for students.

Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry, members of fraternity organizations at Dartmouth College, were charged with providing alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age. Both individuals face one misdemeanor charge in relation to their alleged actions that contributed to the tragic events surrounding Jang's death.

The Alpha Phi sorority was also charged with a misdemeanor violation for facilitating an underage alcohol house, a significant concern given the college's emphasis on responsible Greek life. These charges are indicative of the college's wider efforts to address safety and accountability within its fraternities and sororities.

The party where Jang and others consumed alcohol took place off-campus and drew significant attention because it resulted in the unfortunate death of a student. During the party, Jang, along with other attendees, engaged in drinking, which ultimately led to tragic consequences when he went missing after the event.

Won Jang was last seen near the docks on the Connecticut River following the party. His disappearance raised alarms for friends and family, culminating in a search that began the day after the event. Ultimately, his body was discovered about 65 feet offshore, sparking condolences from the community and a call for a thorough investigation.

An autopsy was conducted on Jang's body, revealing that he died from drowning, compounded by a notably high blood alcohol concentration of .167. This level is significantly above the legal limit for driving in many states, raising concerns about Jang's safety and decision-making during the party.

In addition to the toxicology results, the investigation revealed that Jang was not able to swim, further compounding the tragedy of the situation. Jang's family communicated to authorities that he had no swimming abilities, which casts further light on the decisions made both by Jang and the other party attendees regarding safety measures during the night of the incident.

Following Jang's death, both the Alpha Phi sorority and the fraternity members involved were suspended pending a thorough internal investigation. These suspensions reflect the potential repercussions for organizations that fail to comply with established safety regulations and responsible behavior in fostering an environment for students.

Dartmouth College has expressed its commitment to ensuring that Greek organizations adhere to safety protocols and maintain a culture of inclusivity and responsible behavior. The incident has prompted a further review of Greek life policies at the institution, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and enhanced educational measures relating to alcohol consumption among students.

The community at Dartmouth, including students, faculty, and alumni, is currently in mourning over the loss of Won Jang. This tragedy has ignited conversations about the responsibilities of student organizations, the risks associated with underage drinking, and the critical importance of ensuring student safety at college events.

As the investigation continues, authorities will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the party and the inherent risks of alcohol consumption among young adults. The findings of this investigation may lead to significant changes within the Greek life system at Dartmouth College, aiming to prevent future tragedies and safeguard the well-being of all students.