Bucknell Coach Charged in Freshman’s Hazing Death

Incident Overview

Former Bucknell strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis now faces felony aggravated hazing after a rookie football player lost his life during a team workout. The tragedy occurred in July 2024 when 18‑year‑old Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. collapsed on the field and died two days later. According to medical sources, Dickey’s death was linked to sickle‑cell‑related rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can be mitigated by pausing intense exercise, staying hydrated and avoiding overheating. Despite warnings from fellow coaches, Kulbis subjected Dickey and his teammates to 100 “up‑downs” and multiple full‑body plank drills.

Witnesses reported that Dickey was visibly struggling, yet Kulbis waited until the player lost consciousness before calling for assistance. The prosecution contends that the coach had been informed about Dickey’s vulnerable health status and had received training on NCAA anti‑hazing standards, yet chose to ignore both. Attorney General Dave Sunday described the actions as an “intentional, deliberate hazing” that turned a preventable incident into a fatal one.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Kulbis was arrested Monday morning and is slated to appear in court on July 28. He is accused of felony aggravated hazing, as well as misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing. The criminal case follows a statement from the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office outlining the timeline of events and the coach’s alleged disregard for safety protocols. The charges mark a rare instance of criminal accountability for a college sports hazing death.

Legal experts note that prosecuting hazing cases at the collegiate level is uncommon, making this indictment a significant precedent. The case will likely be scrutinized for how it interprets the responsibilities of coaches versus institutional oversight. Observers will watch whether the verdict influences future enforcement of anti‑hazing policies across NCAA programs.

Civil Action by the Dickey Family

In 2025, Dickey’s parents launched a lawsuit against Bucknell University, alleging that the institution knew about his sickle‑cell trait and failed to protect him during training. The filing accuses the school of negligence and wrongful death, a claim reinforced by a statement from the family’s attorney. The attorney expressed relief that criminal charges had been pursued, while noting that the civil case continues independently. This dual legal front underscores the family’s push for both criminal and institutional accountability.

If the civil suit succeeds, it could compel universities to revamp their health‑screening and emergency‑response procedures. Legal analysts suggest that a favorable judgment may prompt stricter enforcement of NCAA guidelines regarding athletes with sickle‑cell trait. The outcome will likely shape how colleges handle high‑intensity conditioning in the future.

What This Means for College Athletics

The case spotlights the persistent risk of hazing and over‑exertion in collegiate sports, especially for athletes with underlying health conditions. It highlights the need for clear protocols when coaches conduct intense drills, and the importance of heeding warnings from teammates and support staff. Institutions may be forced to reassess training regimens, emergency plans, and compliance with anti‑hazing education requirements.

Moreover, the situation raises questions about the role of university administrators in overseeing staff conduct. Critics argue that schools must do more than merely follow NCAA mandates, actively ensuring that athletes are safeguarded from preventable harm. Going forward, coaches and athletic departments will likely encounter increased scrutiny, prompting a cultural shift toward safer, more responsible training environments.