The Nation Is Listening: Calvin’s Story Is Being Heard

On April 2, 2025, we filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of our son, Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. Since that day, CJ’s story has reached national audiences—and now, the world is beginning to understand what we’ve known all along: his death was preventable.

Major outlets including

ESPN,

NPR,

People Magazine,

Fox News,

NBC Philadelphia,

University Cube,

and ABC7 Chicago

have shared Calvin’s story, exposing the dangers of outdated, punishing football conditioning practices and the failure to protect athletes with sickle cell trait—a condition CJ had, and Bucknell knew about.

These stories are painful to read—but they are necessary. They show that CJ’s voice lives on, and that his life—and his loss—will not be buried behind silence or institutional spin.

We’re grateful to the journalists who have elevated this issue with integrity and care. But we are not relying on headlines alone. We are fighting for justice, accountability, and reform so that no other family has to endure what we’ve been through.

“Our son should still be here. We’re not just seeking justice for Calvin—we’re fighting to make sure no other family feels this pain.”

Please help us continue to tell CJ’s story. Share the articles. Share the truth. Use the hashtag #JusticeForCalvin and stand with us as we demand change.

This movement is only beginning.

In Calvin’s Honor,

The Dickey Family

Family of CJ Dickey to Move Forward with Legal Action A Call for Truth and Accountability

April 2, 2025

The family of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. has made the decision to move forward with litigation against Bucknell University. This decision follows months of unanswered requests for full transparency about what led to CJ’s death on July 12, 2024 — and the university’s handling of that tragic day. Despite submitting his full medical history, including confirmation of his sickle cell trait, CJ was subjected to an extreme workout on his first day of training. He collapsed and later died from complications tied to exertional rhabdomyolysis and multiple organ failure.

To this day, Bucknell has not released a full, detailed account of what occurred, nor have they provided the family with findings from their internal investigation. The family, along with their attorneys, will be holding a press conference on April 2, 2025. Click here to view the press conference live stream.

This legal action marks a crucial step in the family's ongoing pursuit of truth, accountability, and change — not just for CJ, but for the safety of all student-athletes.

Tribute to Calvin Dickey Jr: Promoting Systemic Change in Athletics

The sporting world was shaken by the tragic loss of an 18-year-old athlete, whose memory now lives on through a website dedicated to promoting systemic change in athletics. This website serves as a tribute to the young athlete, sharing his story and shedding light on vital issues in athlete safety.

The platform features a tribute section, where visitors can learn more about the athlete's life and legacy. Through educational resources, the website aims to raise awareness about critical issues such as NCAA sickle cell trait protocols and the prevention of heat-related emergencies in sports. In addition to the tribute and educational sections, the website will also include open letters and updates to keep visitors informed and engaged. Interactive features on the website allow for a more immersive experience, while a call to action urges visitors to advocate for safer practices in collegiate athletics. By incorporating petitions for change and testimonials from friends and family, LL 50 Cal hopes to amplify its impact and reach a wider audience. With a custom domain and branding, the website aims to create a cohesive and impactful online presence. By advocating for safer practices and pushing for systemic change in athletics, LL 50 Cal is working towards creating a safer environment for athletes at all levels of play. As we remember the young athlete whose life was taken too soon, let us honor his memory by working towards a future where tragedies like these are prevented. Through education, advocacy, and collective action, we can promote safer practices in athletics and strive for a systemic change that benefits athletes at every level.