Lawsuit Filed Against Bucknell University for Football Player's Death in Previous Summer

The parents of a Bucknell freshman football player who passed away after a workout last summer have filed a legal action against the university and members of the administration and coaching staff.

The lawsuit alleges that the school was aware of their 18-year-old son's sickle cell diagnosis but failed to have proper protocols in place to protect him, resulting in his death being "completely preventable."

Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr. died on July 12, just two days after collapsing during his first workout with the university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He was only 18 years old.

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"We are taking this action for CJ, for every young man on that team, and for anyone who comes after him, at any university," stated Dickey's mother, Nicole, on Wednesday. "This will be a long and difficult journey, but I am prepared for it. My son is worth it."

According to family attorney Mike Caspino, an autopsy revealed that Dickey's death was caused by a sickle cell-related condition called rhabdomyolysis.

The lawsuit claims that there were no trainers present when Dickey and other freshmen were being punished with "up-downs" after making mistakes during the workout.

"Students who were present at the workout have reported that CJ was clearly struggling during the 100 up-downs," the lawsuit states. "He was falling behind the rest of the group and could not keep up."

The Cleveland Clinic's website advises individuals with rhabdomyolysis who are attempting to exercise to "start slowly and listen to your body. If you feel excessively sore or tired during a workout, stop and rest. Do not push yourself beyond safe limits... Take breaks in the shade if you are exercising in hot weather."

Bucknell issued a statement to ESPN acknowledging the lawsuit.

"The loss of a student is always a tragic event," the university stated. "While we will not comment on ongoing legal proceedings, we extend our deepest sympathies to CJ's family, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all Bucknell students."

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The family is accusing the school of negligence and wrongful death and seeking unspecified damages.

"We do not want another athlete, family, brother, or cousin to endure this type of pain and suffering, especially when it could have been avoided," said Dickey's father, Calvin Sr., on Wednesday.