Ronnie Caldwell, a 21-year-old Northwestern State University junior safety, was shot and died on Thursday morning in Louisiana, United States.
According to the Natchitoches Police Department, the terrible occurrence occurred around 1:08 a.m. near NSU’s campus, which is around three hours away from New Orleans.
After 911 callers reported gunfire in the neighborhood, police officers were dispatched to a street near the campus. Officers claim they found Caldwell suffering from gunshot wounds when they arrived, and he was subsequently pronounced dead. The incident is still being investigated.
Following the incident, the Northwestern State football team has cancelled its Saturday game against Nicholls State.
The team 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.
“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.”
Caldwell, who transferred from Tyler Junior College after the 2021 season, appeared in 11 games and was eighth on the team in tackles last season. He has yet to play this season due to an injury sustained during the preseason.
The Texas native was also a business administration major who spent the summer coaching a local minor baseball team.