Northwestern State Football Player Killed Thursday

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Northwestern State University is mourning the loss of defensive back Ronnie Caldwell. WVUE-TV reported that Caldwell was shot and killed early Thursday morning in Natchitoches, LA.  Caldwell was found by a Natchitoches police officer who was responding to reports of gunshots being fired.

Northwestern State University Head Coach Brad Laird stated, "The Northwestern State family has suffered a tremendous loss.  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.

Coach Laird's statement continued:

"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.”

The Northwestern State and Nicholls State college football game has been canceled. Northwestern State President Marcus D. Jones told Houma Today that the Family Day festivities associated with the game have also been canceled.

Caldwell appeared in 11 games last year, where he started in 10 of them, after transferring to Northwestern State from Tyler Junior College before the 2022 season.