Home / Crime and Justice / Coach Charged in Recruit's Hazing Death
Coach Charged in Recruit's Hazing Death
7 Jul
Summary
- Coach faces charges under Pennsylvania's aggravated hazing law.
- Freshman recruit died from forced exercise-induced sickle cell crisis.
- University training on sickle cell trait was disregarded.
A Bucknell University football strength and conditioning coach, Mark Kulbis, has been charged under Pennsylvania's aggravated hazing law following the July 12, 2024, death of freshman recruit Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr. Dickey, 18, died from a forced exercise-induced sickle cell crisis. This incident is the first homicide charge brought under the state's aggravated hazing statute, enacted after the 2017 hazing death of Penn State student Tim Piazza.
Investigators revealed that Kulbis ordered dozens of "up-downs" as punishment for freshman players, despite being aware of Dickey's sickle cell trait. Court documents indicate that Bucknell University had provided coaches with training on safely exercising student-athletes with this condition, emphasizing gradual progression. However, evidence suggests Kulbis disregarded this information, even after viewing a spreadsheet detailing athletes' medical conditions, including Dickey's.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office stated that Dickey's death was preventable and resulted from intentional hazing. Dickey, from Florida, had been cleared to practice on July 10, 2024, with specific advice to monitor for symptoms. The situation escalated during a workout where Dickey experienced severe breathing difficulties and ultimately collapsed, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent death.
