Pennsylvania AG probes Bucknell freshman’s death
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- Pennsylvania Attorney General launched an investigation into the July 12, 2024 death of Bucknell freshman football player CJ Dickey Jr., after he collapsed during his first team workout.
- Bucknell University confirmed it received a search warrant related to the death and is reviewing it, while a spokesperson said the school will respond appropriately.
- CJ Dickey Jr.’s parents expressed gratitude to the AG’s office and noted that their son, who had known sickle cell trait, died from rhabdomyolysis that experts say is preventable by stopping exercise.
- The family’s lawsuit filed in 2025 alleges negligence, wrongful death, and “aggravated hazing,” claiming the freshman performed 100 up‑downs as punishment without a trainer present and that he was visibly in distress.
- Bucknell filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the complaint does not plausibly allege hazing or a failure to take reasonable precautions.
Why it matters: Bucknell faces potential liability and reputational damage, while the AG’s probe could prompt tighter enforcement of NCAA sickle‑cell testing and safety protocols for college athletics.
