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Northwestern State footballer, Ronnie Caldwell, 21, died in a shooting in Natchitoches, on Thursday, October 12, 2023. According to law enforcement officers, after hearing reports of gunfire, they arrived in the area and discovered Ronnie. The entire community, including his family, team, and the university is mourning the tragic loss.
Trigger warning: The article contains references to gun violence and shootings. Readers' discretion is advised.
After the tragic shooting killed Caldwell, the University canceled several events including the football match and Nicholls State's Family Day. Head coach, Brad Laird, said that Caldwell couldn't play this year, due to an injury, however, he was enthusiastic throughout.
Ronnie Caldwell, a football player, lost his life in a fatal shooting that took place near Northwestern State's campus
On Thursday, October 13, Ronnie Caldwell, the young football player, lost his life in a shooting that took place at about 1:08 a.m. local time. Police soon responded to the site, and administered life-saving measures to the man. However, he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities told USA Today that they have identified a person of interest, however, no arrests have been made as of now.
The upcoming football match has been canceled, in lieu of the current events that have transpired. Coach Laird expressed his grief and said that the Northwestern State University family is going through a great loss, due to Caldwell's demise. He further said that Ronnie Caldwell was a bright guy and had a great future ahead.
Laird added:
"He was our voice in the locker room. When Ronnie spoke, others listened. The respect our football team had for Ronnie was evident."
He further said,
"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."
Caldwell couldn't play a snap due to an injury
Northwestern State president, Marcus D. Jones, has further expressed his condolences after the death of Caldwell. He issued an official statement, which read:
"During these difficult times, I extend my deepest condolences and offer my prayers to Ronnie's family and friends. The entire NSU community shares in your grief and sorrow."
Caldwell transferred from Tyler Junior College and played 10 games in 2022. CBS Sports reported that Ronnie Caldwell posted "42 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss for the Demons."
Caldwell had been a projected starter at Northwestern State University, but he couldn't play a snap after sustaining an injury. The other players, however, considered him an assistant coach, since he was so much involved in the game.
Northwestern State athletic director Kevin Bostian said,
"Ronnie was a devoted teammate, friend, brother and son. His teammates, coaches and staff members who had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie will remember his ever-present smile and the way he could light up any room when he walked in."
Authorities are currently looking into the shooting, and trying to unearth further details about the same. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been created By Crystal Jackson, on behalf of Ronnie, to help the family during such a hard time.
