A Northwestern State player is dead as the result of a shooting incident.
According to Natchitoches police, junior safety Ronnie Caldwell succumbed to his injuries on Thursday after being shot multiple times.
The Southland Conference program has canceled its game against Nicholls which was scheduled for Saturday as a result of the player’s death.
Ronnie was 21 years old.
Caldwell joined Northwestern State via a transfer from Tyler Junior College after the 2021 season. The Texas native appeared in all 11 games last season and ranked seventh in tackles on the team. He hadn’t played this season because of injuries.
“Ronnie Caldwell was a young man who had a bright future ahead of him on or off the football field,” his 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.
“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.”
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The Natchitoches Police Department revealed having responded to a report of a shooting early on Thursday morning and found Caldwell to be the victim of several gunshot wounds. His murder is still being investigated.
Northwestern State will make a decision on whether or not they will play their remaining games later on.
TotalProSports extends condolences to Ronnie’s family, friends, loved ones, classmates, and teammates.
R.I.P Ronnie Caldwell – 2000-2023
