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NATCHITOCHES, La. – Ronald Caldwell Jr. was a 21-year-old football player and a freshman at Northwestern State University when he became a victim of gun violence at an off-campus apartment in the area. 

President of Northwestern, Marcus Jones, said, “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 him spending the summer coaching a local youth baseball team, teaching those children the values of competition and sportsmanship.

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.”

The university has moved around their sports schedule to avoid playing during Caldwell’s wake on Friday.