THIBODAUX, La. — Following the fatal shooting of a Northwestern State University football player on Thursday morning, Southland Conference rival Nicholls State announced on social media that Saturday's game between the two schools in Thibodaux, La., along with Family Day festivities would be canceled.
"Due to a very unfortunate circumstance involving the Northwestern State University football team, the Nicholls football game and Family Day festivities scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, have been canceled," stated Nicholls officials.
"The Family Day football game is a longstanding tradition at Nicholls, but we must be respectful of the loss Northwestern State University is experiencing."
According to the Louisiana Radio Network, Natchitoches Police say 21-year-old Ronnie Caldwell was found shortly after 1 a.m. between two buildings on a University Parkway apartment complex with several gunshot wounds.
The Junior defensive back lived at the complex and investigators are interviewing his roommates and others living near the location of crime.
No arrests have been made, said Cpl. John Greely, a spokesperson for the department.
“This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available," the department said in a statement on Facebook.
Decisions regarding future football games will be made as the season progresses, the school said.
“The Northwestern State family has suffered a tremendous loss,” head football coach Brad Laird 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. When Ronnie spoke, others listened,” Laird said. “The respect our football team had for Ronnie was evident.”
Caldwell played safety for the Demons after transferring from Tyler Junior College following the 2021 football season. In 2022, he appeared in all 11 games, starting 10, and finished seventh on the team in tackles.
He had yet to play in a game this fall because of a preseason injury. Still, he traveled with the team, serving as a de facto defensive assistant coach and communicating with coaches up in the press box via headset during games, the university said in a statement.
University President Marcus Jones praised Caldwell's dedication to the community, noting how he spent the summer coaching a local youth baseball team.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of one of our current students, Ronnie Caldwell Jr. Ronnie was a talented junior business administration major from Austin, Texas. Ronnie’s dedication to the community was truly inspiring, as evidenced by his spending the summer coaching a local youth baseball team, and teaching those children the values of competition and sportsmanship," stated Dr. Jones.
"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. Counseling and support services are available to all students, faculty, and staff who may need them.
"While we mourn the loss of Ronnie, let us also honor and celebrate his life. Ronnie will forever be cherished as a beloved member of the NSU family."
Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant also made a statement regarding the tragedy:
"The Southland Conference is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Northwestern State football student-athlete Ronnie Caldwell Jr. this morning. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Ronnie's family, friends, teammates, classmates, and the entire Northwestern State campus.
Our community is devastated and in mourning in the wake of this news. There are not adequate words that can express the pain we are feeling for this tragic loss.
The Southland Conference family stands ready and available to support anything the Northwestern state community may need during this time of grief. Our focus remains with Ronnie's family and those close to him who are mourning his loss."
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Natchitoches Crimestoppers at (318) 238-2388.
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