Former Bucknell University strength coach Mark Kulbis now faces felony aggravated hazing and several misdemeanor counts following a grand jury indictment that also includes involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing.
A Preventable Tragedy
The indictment stems from the July 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., a 19‑year‑old who carried the sickle cell trait. During his first day of practice, Dickey collapsed after a grueling workout that combined excessive repetitions, heavy load and extreme intensity.
Investigators say the session was conducted despite explicit warnings from other coaches that such a workout was unsafe. Kulbis remained the sole coach on site and did not summon medical assistance until Dickey lost consciousness, a delay prosecutors argue proved fatal.
Two days after the collapse, Dickey died, and an autopsy linked his death to a combination of the workout, his underlying sickle cell condition, body weight and exertional rhabdomyolysis. Attorney General Dave Sunday described the incident as an "extraordinary tragedy" that was both preventable and deliberately reckless.
Sunday emphasized that the hazing was intentional, noting that the coach was aware of Dickey’s health vulnerability yet proceeded with a regimen that ignored medical guidance. While authorities have not announced further charges, the case has reignited calls for stricter oversight of collegiate strength programs.