Natchitoches, Louisiana – A pall of sorrow hangs over Northwestern State University as the vibrant life of 21-year-old Ronnie Caldwell, a promising defensive back, was abruptly cut short in a tragic shooting incident. The devastating news prompted the university to cancel this weekend’s highly anticipated college football game against Nicholls State.
Reports indicate that Caldwell was fatally shot during the early hours of Thursday morning in Natchitoches. A police officer discovered Caldwell in response to gunfire reports, a grim discovery that shook the Northwestern State community and reverberated throughout the college football scene.
Sad and tragic: Northwestern State safety Ronnie Caldwell was shot and killed near campus💔
Caldwell was extremely well respected, and the voice of the team, according to HC Brad Laird.
Ronnie was only 21. pic.twitter.com/2tfiRMPBcg
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 13, 2023
Head Coach Brad Laird expressed the profound loss, describing Caldwell as a young man with immense potential both on and off the football field. Despite being sidelined this year due to an injury, Caldwell’s impact within the team was undeniable. His leadership and influence were felt by every member of the squad, transcending the boundary of the game.
The tragic loss of Caldwell has left the Northwestern State family heartbroken, and condolences pour in for his grieving family and friends. The void left by his absence will be deeply felt within the university, the community of Natchitoches, and in his hometown. The university plans to honor Caldwell’s memory and cherish the moments shared with him as they strive to navigate the challenging days ahead.
Additionally, Nicholls State President Marcus D. Jones announced the cancellation of the game, along with the associated Family Day festivities, in light of this heart-wrenching event.
Caldwell, who transferred from Tyler Junior College to Northwestern State before the 2022 season, showcased his talent in all 11 games last year, starting in 10 of them.
Authorities have made an arrest in connection to the tragic incident. The Natchitoches Police Department arrested John McIntosh, Caldwell’s 27-year-old roommate, for possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. The investigation is ongoing, with physical and digital evidence being carefully analyzed.
A Gofundme page is created by Crystal Jackson to raise funds aiming $15,000. It is stated on the page:
On Oct. 12th 2023 our family was crushed with the devastating news that Ronnie’s life was taken so abruptly and senselessly from gun violence while attending school in Louisiana at Northwestern State University. Ronnie touched many lives in his short time here on earth and was the heart and soul of his family. He was loved by all he came in contact with and was a family oriented man. He played on the Northwestern Football team and was a junior business administration major from Austin, Texas. Ronnie’s dedication to the community was truly inspiring, as evidenced by him spending the summer coaching a local youth baseball team, teaching those children the values of competition and sportsmanship. He was also an academic all-conference student athlete. Due to this unimaginable tragedy, we are asking for help with any donation, big or small to help family with burial costs. Anything is greatly appreciated and thank you all for your kind words and support.
“The Northwestern State family has suffered a tremendous loss,” head football coach Brad Laird said in a statement. “Ronnie Caldwell was a young man who had a bright future ahead of him on or off the football field.
“He was our voice in the locker room. When Ronnie spoke, others listened,” Laird said. “The respect our football team had for Ronnie was evident.”
Caldwell played safety for the Demons In 2022, he appeared in all 11 games, starting 10, and finished seventh on the team in tackles.
He had yet to play in a game this fall because of a preseason injury. Still, he traveled with the team, serving as a de facto defensive assistant coach and communicating with coaches up in the press box via headset during games, the university said in a statement.
University President Marcus Jones praised Caldwell’s dedication.”
As the community grapples with this profound loss, thoughts and prayers are extended to Caldwell’s loved ones, and the Northwestern State family rallies together to honor his memory and provide support to one another during this incredibly difficult time.
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