HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s attorney general has filed criminal charges against a former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach in connection with the 2024 death of a freshman football player during what investigators allege was a hazing incident.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that former coach Mark Kulbis was charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing.
According to the Office of Attorney General, freshman football player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., of Florida, arrived on campus July 10, 2024, for the first day of preseason football activities. Investigators allege Kulbis directed Dickey and other players to perform approximately 100 “up-downs” and several full-body plank drills.
Prosecutors allege Kulbis had been informed that Dickey carried the Sickle Cell trait and had received university training regarding the condition, NCAA guidance and Pennsylvania hazing law. According to investigators, the exercises were conducted despite prior instruction from other coaches that they were not appropriate or safe as part of team training.
The Attorney General’s Office alleged Dickey, who had been recruited as a lineman, showed visible signs of distress during the workout. Investigators said Kulbis did not summon medical assistance until Dickey collapsed.
Dickey was transported to a local hospital, where he died July 12, 2024.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, an autopsy concluded that Dickey’s death resulted from exertional rhabdomyolysis in combination with the physical exertion, his body weight and his Sickle Cell trait.
The Union County District Attorney referred the case to the Office of Attorney General last year for investigation.
Kulbis surrendered Monday morning and was arraigned on the charges. Bail was set at $10,000 unsecured.
Attorney General Sunday said investigators concluded the alleged hazing was preventable and noted that Pennsylvania’s aggravated hazing statute was enacted following the 2017 hazing death of Penn State University student Tim Piazza.
The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Jaime Keating.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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