Coach Charged in Connection with Hazing Death of Bucknell University Freshman Football Player
A coach in Pennsylvania is facing charges in connection with the death of a Bucknell University freshman football player during a hazing incident. The student, Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., passed away in July 2024 after being subjected to strenuous calisthenics on his first day of practice. The coach, Mark Kulbis, allegedly ignored Dickey's medical condition and continued the hazing despite being trained on Sickle Cell and hazing protocols.
Prior to the fatal practice session, Kulbis reportedly made Dickey and other players perform excessive calisthenics, including 100 'up-downs' and full-body plank drills, which were deemed unsafe by other coaches. Dickey, who struggled visibly with the exercises, eventually collapsed during the session. Despite being the only coach present, Kulbis did not seek help for the freshman until he lost consciousness.
Dickey was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically passed away two days later. An autopsy revealed that his death was a result of the strenuous exercises combined with his Sickle Cell trait, body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis. Kulbis now faces charges of felony aggravated hazing, as well as misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. He surrendered and was arraigned, with bail set at $10,000.
Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasized the seriousness of hazing as criminal conduct that can have devastating consequences, including loss of life. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of hazing practices and the importance of enforcing laws to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.