Shutterstock
Tragedy struck the Northwestern State football program this week with news that junior safety Ronnie Caldwell was shot and killed early Thursday morning.
Caldwell, who was 21 years old, was found shot multiple times when police arrived at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.
Northwestern State canceled this weekend’s game against Nicholls as a result of Caldwell’s death.
“Ronnie Caldwell was a young man who had a bright future ahead of him on or off the football field,” head coach Brad Laird said in a statement. “He was our voice in the locker room. When Ronnie spoke, others listened. The respect our football team had for Ronnie was evident. He did not play a snap this year because of an injury, but his voice resonated with every member of our team from the first player to the 115th on our roster.
Today, we mourn the loss of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell.
📄 https://t.co/WH44AXZgR7 pic.twitter.com/1TL4ZUj4d7
— NSU Football (@NSUDemonsFB) October 12, 2023
“Our hearts are broken and ache for Ronnie’s family and friends. His loss will be felt here at Northwestern State, in Natchitoches and in his home. We will treasure the time we spent with Ronnie and the memories we made, and we will hold him and his family in our hearts as we attempt to move forward in the days and weeks ahead.”
Caldwell transferred to Northwestern State from Tyler (TX) Junior College ahead of the 2022 season in which he appeared in all 11 games.
While the Nicholls game has been canceled, Northwestern State says it will make a decision on the remainder of the team’s games this season at a later date.
Our deepest condolences go out to Caldwell’s family and friends during this incredibly tragic time.
