A college football clash between Northwestern State and Nicholls State was abruptly canceled following the fatal shooting of a Northwestern State player in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Twenty-one-year-old Ronnie Caldwell, a defensive back for Northwestern State, was fatally shot during the early hours of Thursday morning, October 12, 2023, at his apartment complex in Natchitoches. A police officer who responded to gunshots discovered Caldwell, and his death was subsequently confirmed by local media outlets.
Brad Laird, Northwestern State’s head coach, expressed his condolences through a statement, emphasizing Caldwell’s significant presence both on and off the field. Laird mentioned, “Ronnie Caldwell was a young man who had a bright future ahead of him. He was our voice in the locker room. When Ronnie spoke, others listened.”
After transferring from Tyler Junior College in 2022, Caldwell participated in all 11 games, starting in 10 of those encounters. Despite not playing this season due to an injury, Caldwell’s influence on the team remained undiminished. Reports state that Caldwell, despite his injury, continued to assist the team as a coach this season.
In the wake of this incident, Nicholls State President Marcus D. Jones also announced the cancellation of the Family Day festivities that were set to coincide with the football game.
An ongoing investigation seeks to shed more light on the circumstances of Caldwell’s death.
