Northwestern State cancels game after death of safety Ronnie Caldwell
Northwestern State has officially canceled Saturday's Week 7 game against Nicholls State after the death of safety Ronnie Caldwell.
Caldwell passed away Thursday morning after a tragic shooting near his apartment, according to local police.
"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. 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," head coach Brad Laird said in a statement released by the university.
Caldwell finished with 42 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries last season. He did not see any action this season due to an injury.
Caldwell transferred to Northwestern State after two seasons at Tyler Junior College. He finished his freshman season with 44 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
