Former Bucknell Strength Coach Faces Felony Charges in Connection with 2024 Death of Freshman Football Player
A former strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University has been charged with felony aggravated hazing in connection with the 2024 death of a freshman football player. Mark Kulbis, who coached at Bucknell from 2015 to 2025, was arraigned on Monday and released on $10,000 bail.
Charges Stem from 2024 Death of Freshman Football Player Calvin ‘CJ’ Dickey Jr.
Calvin ‘CJ’ Dickey Jr., an 18-year-old freshman football player, died on July 12, 2024, two days after collapsing during a workout on July 10, 2024. An autopsy attributed his death to exertional rhabdomyolysis, a condition brought on by intense exercise combined with his body weight and sickle cell trait.
According to the criminal complaint, Kulbis put Dickey and his teammates through 100 ‘up-downs’ and multiple full-body plank exercises during the July 10 session, despite having been told by other coaches that the drills were inappropriate and unsafe. Investigators said Kulbis had previously been informed of Dickey’s sickle cell trait and had received training on the condition as well as on NCAA and state anti-hazing rules, but disregarded that information.
Dickey was visibly struggling during the workout, and Kulbis, the only coach present in the training room at the time, did not call for help until Dickey lost consciousness, authorities said.
‘The facts show this was an intentional, deliberate hazing perpetrated by a coach who knew C.J.’s health condition made him vulnerable to extreme workouts,’ Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a release. ‘The facts show this defendant received information about C.J.’s health condition, along with training about NCAA anti-hazing standards, and disregarded that information. This is an extraordinary tragedy, worsened by the fact that C.J.’s death was preventable.’
The felony hazing charge stems from a Pennsylvania law enacted after the 2017 hazing death of Penn State student Tim Piazza. Sunday said the statute reflects the seriousness of hazing as criminal conduct that can range from humiliation to fatal harm.
Kulbis left his position at Bucknell in January 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile. Dickey’s parents filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Bucknell last year, alleging the university was aware of their son’s sickle cell trait diagnosis and cleared him to participate but failed to protect him. That civil case remains ongoing.
NCAA Requirements for Sickle Cell Trait Testing
The NCAA requires sickle cell trait testing for all athletes, and has noted that sudden deaths tied to the condition have occurred almost exclusively during conditioning sessions rather than games or skill work.
According to the NCAA, sickle cell trait is a genetic condition that can increase the risk of sudden death during intense exercise. The organization requires all student-athletes to undergo sickle cell trait testing before participating in sports, and provides guidance to universities on how to manage athletes with the condition.
The NCAA also provides education and training to coaches and athletic trainers on the risks associated with sickle cell trait, and requires universities to have policies in place to protect athletes with the condition.
Charges and Next Steps
Kulbis faces felony charges of aggravated hazing, as well as misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.
