New Hampshire authorities recently made a tragic discovery, finding two Dartmouth College students dead in the Connecticut River. The first student, Won Jang, a 20-year-old, was located about 65 feet from shore on July 7. He was last seen attending a social gathering at docks near the Dartmouth boathouse on the river. His body was found by the underwater camera of the NH Fish and Game ROV/Sonar Team.
While the cause of Jang’s death remains undetermined, Hanover police have ruled out foul play but are investigating any potential hazing incidents. Witnesses reported alcohol involvement, prompting further scrutiny into the matter by authorities. An anonymous email suggesting hazing was received by the college and will be looked into by the police.
Less than two months prior, another Dartmouth student, Kexin Cai, a 26-year-old doctoral student, was found dead in the same river. She had been missing since May 15 when she was last seen leaving her residence on an e-bike. Cai had admitted herself to the campus medical clinic due to a mental health crisis before her disappearance. Police do not suspect foul play in her death.
Dean Jon Kull of the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies described Cai as a gifted and humble researcher with a love for cats and the Upper Valley. She had a keen interest in communication challenges in autism and enjoyed activities like hiking, skiing, and road trips in the area.
The Hanover Police Department is urging anyone with information about Jang or Cai to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations. The deaths of these two young students have left the Dartmouth College community in shock and mourning. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and student safety on college campuses nationwide. Let us remember Won Jang and Kexin Cai as bright individuals whose lives were cut short, and may their memories be honored within the community.
