Current:Home > FinanceBurley Garcia|Northwestern State football player shot and killed near campus, coach calls it ‘a tremendous loss’ -Wealth Nexus Pro
Burley Garcia|Northwestern State football player shot and killed near campus, coach calls it ‘a tremendous loss’
TradeEdge Exchange View
Date:2025-04-08 04:33:19
NATCHITOCHES,Burley Garcia La. (AP) — A Northwestern State University football player was shot and killed early Thursday near an apartment complex not far from campus in Natchitoches, police said.
Ronald Caldwell, a 21-year-old junior from Austin, Texas, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds by Natchitoches police officers who responded shortly after 1 a.m. to a report of a shooting. The coroner’s office pronounced Caldwell dead at the scene.
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.
The university canceled Saturday’s football game at Nicholls State University as a result of the shooting. 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.
Both Laird and Jones offered condolences to Caldwell’s family and friends. Jones added that counseling and other support would be made available for all students, faculty and staff who need it.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- 'We're just exhausted': The battered and storm-weary prepare for landfall. Again.
- How AP VoteCast works, and how it’s different from an exit poll
- SEC, Big Ten leaders mulling future of fast-changing college sports
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- TikToker Taylor Rousseau Grigg Shared Heartbreaking Birthday Message One Month Before Her Death
- The Deepest Discounts From Amazon's October Prime Day 2024 - Beauty, Fashion, Tech & More up to 85% Off
- Why Wait? These October Prime Day 2024 Deals Make Great Christmas Gifts & Start at Just $4
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- SEC, Big Ten leaders mulling future of fast-changing college sports
Ranking
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Federal judge in Alabama hears request to block 3rd nitrogen execution
- The Flaming Lips Drummer Steven Drozd’s 16-Year-Old Daughter is Missing
- Why Wait? These October Prime Day 2024 Deals Make Great Christmas Gifts & Start at Just $4
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- A Georgia mayor indicted for allegedly trying to give inmates alcohol has been suspended
- How will Hurricane Milton stack up against other major recent storms?
- Callable CDs are great, until the bank wants it back. What to do if that happens.
Recommendation
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
When is an interview too tough? CBS News grappling with question after Dokoupil interview
Chipotle brings back ‘Boorito’ deal, $6 burritos on Halloween
Love Island USA’s Hannah Smith Arrested and Charged With Making Terroristic Threats
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
You Might've Missed How Pregnant Brittany Mahomes Channeled Britney Spears for NFL Game
Dream Builder Wealth Society: Charity First
When do new episodes of 'Outer Banks' come out? Season 4 release date, cast, where to watch