Tragedy struck Northwestern State University when college football player Ronnie Caldwell, a promising junior safety, was shot and killed in Louisiana. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday near NSU’s campus, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Natchitoches Police Department.
Key Takeaway
Ronnie Caldwell, a talented young football player at Northwestern State University, was tragically shot and killed in Louisiana. The Northwestern State football team mourns the loss of their teammate and cancels their upcoming game. Caldwell’s potential and contributions both on and off the field are remembered and cherished.
Heartbreaking Loss of a Promising Athlete
At just 21 years old, Ronnie Caldwell’s life was cut short when he fell victim to a shooting near the university. The Natchitoches Police Department received multiple reports of gunshots in the area and promptly responded around 1:08 a.m. Sadly, Caldwell succumbed to his gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased.
This tragic event has deeply impacted the Northwestern State football team, leading to the cancellation of their upcoming game against Nicholls State. In an emotional statement, Demons head coach Brad Laird expressed his sorrow and praised Caldwell as a young man with a bright future.
Caldwell, a transfer from Tyler Junior College, had already made his mark on the team during the previous season, appearing in 11 games and ranking seventh in tackles. Unfortunately, he had not yet played in the current season due to a preseason injury.
A Life Cut Short but Full of Promise
Outside of his football career, Caldwell pursued a business administration major and actively contributed to his community. He even dedicated his time to coaching a local youth baseball team over the summer. His loss is felt not only within Northwestern State but also in Natchitoches and his hometown.
As authorities continue their investigation into this heartbreaking incident, the Natchitoches Police Department urges anyone with information regarding Caldwell’s death to contact them at 318-357-3914.
