Fix: An earlier version contained incorrect information about Wong Jian’s extracurricular activities.
Police are investigating whether bullying may have been linked to the death of a Dartmouth College student whose body was found in the Connecticut River Sunday night, local reports say.
The body of 20-year-old Ivy League student Wong Jian was discovered about 7:30 p.m. local time Sunday about 65 feet offshore, according to the Hanover Police Department. He had been reported missing after last being seen alive near the harbor on Saturday night.
The New Hampshire Department of Fish and Wildlife said the search for Chan included several divers and a sonar team using underwater cameras, which ultimately located his body, and items found near the pier indicated he had never left the river.
The cause of death is unknown, and police said no foul play is suspected, according to Hanover police.
“The investigation into this untimely death is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Hanover Police Department,” a police news release said.
Police received an anonymous report of bullying.
Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis said there was evidence that alcohol and campus bullying were involved in the incident, WMUR-TV and WPTZ reported.
“We received an anonymous email this morning through the university indicating there may have been bullying, so of course we will be looking into that as well,” Dennis told WMUR-TV.
Jiang was reported Sunday to have been attending a social event along the river and had failed to show up at the appointed time, WMUR-TV and WPTZ reported.
USA TODAY reached out to Dennis for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Dartmouth College dean offers condolences to community
In a statement to students, Dartmouth Dean Scott Brown offered condolences to those who knew Chan.
“We understand this is extremely difficult news for our community and we urge you to reach out for support if you need a listening ear or advice to get through this difficult time,” Brown said in a statement. “We are in contact with Wong’s fraternity colleagues and other friends.”
The university said Chan was “actively involved in the Dartmouth community” as a member of student clubs and even started his own band. He was a biomedical engineering major and a member of the class of 2026, according to the student newspaper, The Dartmouth.
“Wong wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to pursue his academic and personal passions at Dartmouth,” Brown said.
