Nine months have passed since the tragic death of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., a freshman football player at Bucknell University who was discovered lifeless in the weight room after his first college conditioning session on July 12, 2024.
He was just 18 years old, a passionate young man with dreams, a contagious smile, and a limitless future.
For his parents, Calvin Sr. and Nicole Dickey, and his loved ones, the pain of losing him remains as raw as ever.
They’re still suffering from an unbearable loss, made even harder by the unanswered questions surrounding his death.
CJ was born to Calvin Sr. and Nicole Dickey on September 26, 2005, in Tampa, Florida.
CJ was raised alongside his sister, Patrice, in a loving family filled with love and support. From a young age, he was drawn to sports.
At just 5 years old, he stepped onto a baseball field and quickly made a name for himself.
One of his proudest moments was hitting five home runs in a single day, which still brings a bittersweet smile to his family’s faces.
That early success fueled his passion for athletics, which later shifted to football.
By the time he reached Pineview Middle School, CJ had found a new love on the gridiron.
As a freshman at Land O’ Lakes High School, he earned a starting position on the team, showcasing his natural talent and relentless work ethic.
Later, he transferred to Carrollwood Day School, becoming a standout “CDS” Patriot.
At 6’4” and 290 pounds, CJ was a force on the field, playing both offensive and defensive line.
His senior year was a highlight: he captained the team to an 8-2 record, racking up 17 tackles and a sack on defense.
Colleges took notice, and CJ earned several Division I football scholarship offers.
He chose Bucknell University because he felt he was wanted and could pursue his dual dreams of playing football and becoming a pharmacist.
But CJ was a social butterfly who lit up every room he entered.
He loved spending time with family and friends, whether boating with his dad, enjoying breakfast dates with his mom, or watching movies with Patrice.
Family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and graduations were his happy place. His kindness and warmth touched everyone he met, leaving a legacy of love that endures even now.
CJ Arrived At Bucknell In July 2024, Eager To Start His College Football Journey.
His parents dropped him off, filled with pride and excitement for what lay ahead. But that joy turned to horror when they received a call no parent ever wants to get: CJ had collapsed during his first practice.
He was rushed to the hospital and fought for two days, but on July 12, his heart stopped for the final time.
Doctors told Calvin Sr. and Nicole that their son had died from complications of exertional rhabdomyolysis—a condition linked to overexertion—triggered by a sickle cell crisis.
CJ had been diagnosed with sickle cell trait, a genetic condition he discovered through NCAA-mandated screenings before arriving at Bucknell.
The university knew about it, too, and his parents had uploaded his medical records. A trainer even called Nicole to discuss it beforehand.
Sickle cell trait isn’t usually a problem; millions live with it without issue. But in rare cases, intense exercise can cause red blood cells to sickle, blocking oxygen flow and leading to organ failure.
Experts say it’s preventable with proper precautions, such as rest breaks, hydration, and monitoring for distress. For CJ, those precautions weren’t enough.
Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr.’s parents have been haunted by one question: What happened that day?
They say CJ never struggled with his condition before, not during severe practices in Florida’s 100-degree heat, not while playing both sides of the ball in high school.
So why did it happen at Bucknell? According to the family’s attorneys, the players were pushed too hard during that first session.
Witnesses reported CJ visibly struggling during a training called “up-downs.” This punishing exercise involves athletes dropping to the ground and repeatedly jumping back up. CJ fell behind, unable to keep up, before collapsing.
An independent autopsy confirmed the cause of death was sickle cell-related rhabdomyolysis.
Yet Bucknell University has offered little clarity. Calvin Sr.. and Nicole say the school’s response has been vague and mysterious, leaving them frustrated and heartbroken.
The Dickeys believe their son’s death was preventable.
The NCAA has guidelines for athletes with sickle cell trait, and coaches should let them set their own pace, build up slowly, and stop if they show signs of distress.
Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr.’s Parents File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Bucknell University In Philadelphia’s Court
They’re not just seeking justice for CJ, they want to protect other families from this kind of pain.
The lawsuit accuses Bucknell of negligence, claiming the school knew about CJ’s condition but failed to protect him.
It alleges the workout involved “aggravated hazing,” a brutal initiation ritual for freshmen that senior players didn’t have to endure.
The suit also notes that three months after CJ’s death, another freshman offensive lineman suffered rhabdomyolysis after a similar session.
That player survived, but the incident raises more questions about the program’s practices.
Through the lawsuit, the Dickeys are demanding three things: full transparency about what happened, accountability from Bucknell, and initiatives to ensure no other athlete suffers like CJ did.
CJ’s death left a void in the lives of his parents, sister Patrice, uncles, aunts, cousins, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Patricia Palin (Nana) and Robert and Anna Dickey, who surely welcomed him with open arms.
Those he left behind are determined to honor his memory not just with tears but with action.
Bucknell University has chosen not to comment further on the lawsuit, expressing their condolences and emphasizing their commitment to student health and safety.
However, for Calvin Sr. and Nicole, these words fall short; they seek answers and a push for change following their tragic loss.
As the lawsuit progresses, Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr.’s parents stand united, driven by grief, love, and an unshakable resolve.
They’ll never get their son back, but they can fight for the truth and for a future where no one else loses another CJ.
