Pennsylvania, July 8, 2026 — The parents of former Bucknell University football player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., who died after collapsing during a preseason training session in 2024, say they are encouraged by the decision of Pennsylvania prosecutors to file criminal charges against the strength and conditioning coach responsible for overseeing the workout.
The charges come nearly two years after the tragic incident that claimed the life of the freshman athlete during his first college football training camp.
Parents Seek Accountability
Calvin Dickey Sr. and Nicole Dickey said they are grateful that legal action has been taken and hope the judicial process will provide accountability for their son’s death.
Speaking after the charges were announced, Calvin Dickey Sr. said the family is focused on seeing the case proceed through the courts while allowing investigators and prosecutors to follow the evidence.
Coach Faces Multiple Criminal Charges
Pennsylvania Attorney General officials announced that strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis has been charged with felony aggravated hazing, along with misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing.
According to prosecutors, Kulbis instructed football players during the opening day of training camp in July 2024 to complete 100 “up-downs,” commonly known as burpees, along with demanding plank exercises. Investigators allege the workout was imposed after players failed to perform drills to expectations.
During the session, Dickey reportedly collapsed before being rushed to the hospital, where he died two days later.
Kulbis’ attorney has denied the allegations, maintaining that the conditioning program followed accepted training practices and arguing that the coach was not responsible for the athlete’s death.
Sickle Cell Trait Raised Serious Medical Concerns
Investigators said Dickey had sickle cell trait, an inherited condition that generally does not interfere with everyday life but can significantly increase the risk of severe medical complications during intense physical exertion, particularly when combined with dehydration or extreme heat.
Following several athlete deaths linked to sickle cell trait, the NCAA introduced mandatory screening requirements for new Division I athletes in 2010. The guidelines recommend gradual conditioning, appropriate rest periods, and modified training for athletes diagnosed with the condition.
According to a federal lawsuit filed by Dickey’s family against Bucknell University, the freshman learned he had sickle cell trait only after undergoing mandatory testing shortly before preseason camp began.
The lawsuit also claims that the family had received assurances from coaching staff that appropriate precautions would be taken to protect their son during training.
Family Continues Civil Lawsuit
The Dickey family has filed a federal lawsuit against Bucknell University, alleging that safety protocols were not properly followed despite knowledge of the athlete’s medical condition.
The university has not publicly commented on the ongoing litigation.
Honoring CJ Dickey’s Legacy
Before his death, Dickey had planned to use his football scholarship to pursue a career in pharmacy. His parents said he developed an interest in the profession after meeting a family friend who worked as a hospital pharmacist.
Since losing their son, the family has established a foundation dedicated to increasing awareness of sickle cell trait among athletes and promoting safer sports training practices.
The organization also awards educational scholarships and operates the “50 Cal Big Man Camp,” a football development program named after Dickey’s jersey number.
Nicole Dickey said the foundation has become a meaningful way to honor her son’s memory while helping protect future generations of student-athletes from similar tragedies.
Rare Criminal Case Against Sports Coach
Criminal prosecutions involving coaches after athlete deaths are uncommon but not unprecedented. Similar cases have emerged in recent years following fatal heat-related training incidents, highlighting growing scrutiny of athlete safety, conditioning practices, and compliance with medical guidelines.
The case against Mark Kulbis is expected to proceed through the Pennsylvania court system in the coming months.
