A well-known Louisiana university has canceled the remainder of its football season after the recent death of a player.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana announced on Thursday the rest of its 2023 football season will be canceled to prioritize the mental health and well-being of its student-athletes after junior safety of the Demons football team, Ronnie Caldwell was shot and killed.
According to Natchitoches Police, officers responded to 3800 University Parkway on Oct. 12 around 1 a.m., after reports of gunshots in the area. Caldwell was found suffering from several gunshot wounds and died from his injuries, officials say.
"Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly," said President Marcus Jones. "While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep.
Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family."
Caldwell was from Cedar Park, Texas near Austin. Before his death, he was dealing with an injury and traveling with the football team in a coaching capacity, helping other defensive backs with their technique and schemes, the school said.