A wrongful death lawsuit filed against Bucknell University claims the institution's negligence and disregard for known medical risks led to the demise of freshman football player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr. in July 2024. The suit, filed by Dickey's parents, Calvin Dickey Sr. and Nicole Dickey, asserts that the university was aware of their son's sickle cell trait diagnosis, a condition known to exacerbate risks during strenuous physical activity, yet allegedly failed to implement appropriate safety protocols. Dickey collapsed during his first football practice and died two days later from rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury.
The core of the legal challenge centers on the allegation that Bucknell officials and athletic staff, including Head Coach Dave Cecchini, were informed of Dickey's sickle cell trait via NCAA-mandated testing results prior to his participation in team activities. Despite this knowledge, the lawsuit contends that Dickey was subjected to intense exercises, described as "punishment" or "hazing rituals," including "up-downs" or burpees, which are contraindicated for athletes with sickle cell trait. The family alleges that proper precautions were not taken, directly contributing to their son's fatal collapse.
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The lawsuit was initially filed in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court on April 2, 2025, and has since been refiled in the U.S. Middle District Court. The Dickey family seeks answers and demands that Bucknell publicly acknowledge responsibility for their son's death. Bucknell University has offered its "heartfelt sympathies" to the family but declined to comment on pending litigation, stating its ongoing focus on student health and safety.
The parents allege that Bucknell president John Bravman, associate athletic director for sports medicine Ian Wood, interim vice president and director of athletics Tim Pavlechko, and then-athletic director Jermaine Truax were aware of alleged abuse of freshman players on the first day of practice and condoned such conduct. One article mentions that football coach Kulbis was suspended by the NCAA three months after Dickey's death for requiring injured players to continue workouts, though it's unclear if this disciplinary action is directly tied to the events surrounding Dickey's collapse.
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Dickey, an 18-year-old offensive lineman from Florida, had accepted a football scholarship to Bucknell. His death, occurring shortly after his first practice, has prompted the family to seek accountability, believing his death was "100% preventable." The legal filings detail Dickey's final painful days, including emergency surgery and repeated attempts to revive him.
In a separate, unrelated campus event, Bucknell University announced the death of senior Christian Samay on March 30, 2024, emphasizing it was not connected to an active shooter report on the same day.
