Former Bucknell strength coach charged with hazing in death

A former college football strength and conditioning coach has been charged with felony aggravated hazing and other offenses in connection with the 2024 death of a freshman player who collapsed during a punishing workout. Mark Kulbis, 54, surrendered to authorities on Monday and was arraigned on charges including involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing.

The charges stem from the death of Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr., an 18-year-old lineman from Florida. Dickey collapsed during his first training session at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 2024. He was hospitalized and died two days later.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Kulbis, who was the only coach present, directed Dickey and other freshmen to perform 100 "up-downs," also known as burpees, along with full-body plank drills as punishment for performing other drills incorrectly. Investigators stated Dickey was visibly struggling during the exercises, but Kulbis did not summon help until the player passed out.

An autopsy concluded Dickey's death was caused by the extreme exercises in combination with his sickle cell trait, his body weight, and exertional...