PENNSYLVANIA — Mark Kulbis, a former strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University, was charged on July 6, 2026, with felony aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter in the 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr. Kulbis surrendered to authorities and was arraigned that morning. His bail was set at $10,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2026.

Dickey, 18, collapsed during a training session on July 10, 2024, and died two days later. An autopsy determined his death was caused by exertional rhabdomyolysis resulting from exercises, combined with his sickle-cell trait and body weight. During the session, Kulbis, the only coach present, instructed Dickey and other players to perform 100 "up-downs" and full-body plank drills.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office stated that Kulbis had been informed of Dickey's sickle-cell trait and had received training from the university on the condition. According to the criminal complaint, other coaches had previously told Kulbis that the drills used were inappropriate and unsafe.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday 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." Sunday added, "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." The felony aggravated hazing charge stems from a Pennsylvania law enacted after the 2017 hazing death of Penn State student Tim Piazza.

Dickey's family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Bucknell University, Kulbis, and school officials in 2025. Michael Caspino, a lawyer for the Dickey family, stated, "They are to be eased into their practice regiment. Otherwise, they can get rhabdomyolysis." Barbara Zemlock, a lawyer for Kulbis, said, "The strength and conditioning program that was implemented was appropriate and in accordance with the training that Mr. Kulbis received, and with applicable standards." Zemlock added, "There are facts and other circumstances surrounding this matter that, once presented at the appropriate time, will demonstrate that Mr. Kulbis did not commit the crimes charged." Kulbis served as head football strength and conditioning coach at the university for approximately six years, leaving his position in January 2025.

Bucknell University stated it has cooperated with the attorney general's office throughout the investigation. The NCAA requires new athletes to be tested for sickle-cell trait. The university stated, "Because this is now an active criminal matter, and related civil litigation remains pending, the University will not comment on the allegations or legal proceedings."