Dartmouth College Student Won Jang Found Dead in River

Dartmouth College student Won Jang was found dead in the Connecticut River on July 7, hours after the 20-year-old was reported missing. 

By Leah Degrazia Jul 10, 2024 2:41 AMTags
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The Dartmouth College community is mourning a tragic loss.

Hours after being reported missing, Won Jang—a student at the Ivy League university—was found dead in the Connecticut River near the Hanover, N.H., campus, police confirmed to NBC Boston July 8. He was 20 years old. 

Jang was first reported missing on the afternoon of July 7, less than 24 hours after he was allegedly last seen at an informal social gathering with friends at the docks near the Dartmouth boathouse. According to authorities, items found at the dock revealed that he never left the area, where his body was found later that day about 65 feet offshore. 

Following the discovery, the Hanover Police Department said they also received "an anonymous email" that there "may be some hazing involved," per NBC Boston. 

"There is some evidence of alcohol involved," Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis told the outlet in an interview published July 8. "Certainly from witnesses and talking to things like that, so again that's all part of our investigation."

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In addition to studying biomedical engineering and economics at Dartmouth, Jang played in a band, was on the snowboarding team and pledged a fraternity.

Following his passing, the school's dean Scott Brown offered his condolences to his family and friends. 

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"We understand that this is very difficult news for our community and encourage you to seek support, whether you need a listening ear or guidance in navigating this challenging time," Brown said in a statement, per ABC News. "We have been in touch with Won's fraternity brothers and other friends." 

Jang's death is still under investigation, though police told NBC Boston that they don't suspect any foul play. 

(E! News and NBC Boston are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)

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