Ex-Bucknell strength and conditioning coach faces numerous charges in player death

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Former Bucknell strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis was charged Monday, July 6 with several crimes in connection to the death of 18-year-old Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr. in 2024, with felony aggravated hazing among them.

In addition to the hazing charge, Kulbis was charged with involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and reckless endangerment.

Dickey was working out with the football team for the first time on July 10, 2024 when he collapsed. He died two days later.

"While the death of Calvin Dickey is tragic, Mark Kulbis did not contribute to it and is not responsible for it," Kulbis' attorney, Barbara Zemlock said in a statement, per ESPN. "The strength and conditioning program that was implemented was appropriate and in accordance with the training that Mr. Kulbis received, and with applicable standards."

A rigorous workout in conjunction with sickle cell-related rhabdomyolysis led to Dickey's death, the family said in 2024.

"The facts show this was an intentional, deliberate hazing perpetrated by a coach who knew [Dickey'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."

A preliminary hearing for Kulbis is set for July 28.

Bucknell, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, competes in the Football Championship Subdivision and is a founding member of the Patriot League.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ex-Bucknell strength and conditioning coach faces numerous charges in player death

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