After Student Collapses and Dies, His Coach Is Charged

A former Bucknell University coach is facing hazing charges in the death of an 18-year-old freshman. Mark Kulbis, who spent six years as head football strength and conditioning coach at the school, was charged Monday with felony aggravated hazing, plus misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment, in the July 2024 death of football player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr. State investigators say Kulbis ordered Dickey and teammates through 100 "up-downs" or "burpees," and intense plank drills on their first day of practice, despite guidance that such drills were unsafe, per CBS News. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday calls it "an intentional, deliberate hazing."

Dickey visibly struggled before collapsing; he died two days later. Authorities say Kulbis knew Dickey had sickle cell trait, a condition that can "increase the risk of serious injury or death following extreme exertion," NBC News reports. He had been trained by the university on both sickle cell risks and hazing, yet did not seek help as the teen visibly struggled, according to the AG's office. An autopsy attributed Dickey's death to the workout, his sickle cell trait, body weight, and a breakdown of muscles from overexertion, per NBC. Dickey's family previously sued the university and Kulbis, arguing the death "completely avoidable." In a statement to ESPN, Kulbis' attorney argues he's innocent and that the workout "was appropriate and in accordance with the training" he received.