Lawsuit Filed Over Football Player's Tragic Death Last Summer at Bucknell
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the family of Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., an 18-year-old football player who passed away in 2024, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bucknell University. CJ collapsed during his first training session and succumbed to his injuries two days later in the hospital.
The lawsuit, filed by CJ's mother, Nicole, alleges that Bucknell University was negligent in their handling of CJ's condition, specifically his Sickle Cell Trait, which is known to pose risks during intense physical activity. The university, it is claimed, was aware of CJ's diagnosis but failed to implement necessary protocols to protect him.
The lawsuit further states that during CJ's first workout, he was subjected to 100 up-downs, a demanding exercise routine. Witnesses present at the workout reported that CJ was visibly distressed and struggled to keep up. Alarmingly, there were no trainers present to monitor the freshmen during this exercise.
CJ's autopsy revealed that he died from a sickle cell-related condition called rhabdomyolysis. The Cleveland Clinic, in their guidelines, recommend that individuals with rhabdomyolysis should exercise cautiously, listen to their bodies, take breaks when needed, and avoid pushing beyond safe limits, especially in hot weather conditions.
CJ's father, Calvin Dickey Sr., expressed his family's desire to prevent other students from experiencing the same agony and pain CJ went through. The lawsuit, he stated, is not just about seeking compensation but about protecting future students from similar ordeals.
Bucknell University has acknowledged the lawsuit and expressed sympathy for CJ's family. However, they have remained silent on the specifics of the allegations, citing pending litigation. The lawsuit was reported to ESPN by the family's attorney, Mike Caspino.
The family's quest for justice underscores the importance of universities taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of their students, especially in high-intensity physical activities. As the case unfolds, the focus remains on CJ's memory and the lessons his tragic death can teach us all.
[1] Bucknell University expresses sympathy for CJ Dickey Jr.'s family and reaffirms their commitment to student health and safety. (Field Level Media)
- The lawsuit, filed by CJ's mother, Nicole, alleges that Bucknell University's negligence in handling CJ's medical-condition, specifically his Sickle Cell Trait, led to his untimely death.
- During CJ's first workout, he was made to perform a demanding exercise routine that included 100 up-downs, while no trainers were present to monitor him or the other freshmen.
- CJ's autopsy revealed that he died from a sickle cell-related condition called rhabdomyolysis, a condition that is often exacerbated by intense physical activity and hot weather conditions.
- The Cleveland Clinic recommends that individuals with rhabdomyolysis should exercise cautiously, listen to their bodies, take breaks when needed, and avoid pushing beyond safe limits.
- CJ's father, Calvin Dickey Sr., expressed his family's desire to prevent other students from experiencing the same fate, stating that the lawsuit is not just about seeking compensation but about protecting future students from similar ordeals.
- The importance of universities taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of their students, especially in high-intensity sports like football and American Football, has been underscored by this tragic event.
