Northwestern State Football

The family of Ronnie Caldwell Jr. is filing a lawsuit against Northwestern State following the defensive back's death earlier this month.

"We're not going to get into the details of what the lawsuit would entail, but we can say this, that the university, the coach, they failed Ronnie Jr.," Tony Pradia, a lawyer representing the family, said during a news conference, per ESPN's Kyle Bonagura.

In early October, Caldwell was moved to a different apartment at an off-campus complex after mold was found in his unit. He was placed with a non-university student in a new unit and that roommate allegedly pull a gun on him on Oct. 9, his family said in a statement.

Caldwell reported the incident to his father, who alerted head football coach Brad Laird of the incident. While Laird assured the family action would be taken, the family alleges that no steps were taken to ensure their son's safety.

"Coach Laird replied with a phone call assuring the family that he would take immediate action and move Ronnie to a safe location. Nothing was done, the family heard no updates from the University," the Caldwell family's statement said.

"The next call the family received was from Coach Brad Laird telling us that Ronnie had been murdered."

Caldwell was shot and killed at his apartment on Oct. 12, and his non-university student roommate was arrested the same day for possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance.

Caldwell's Northwestern State teammate, Maurice Campbell II, was also arrested in connection to his death. He was arrested for "obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance," per Bonagura.

Specific details of Caldwell's death have not emerged. No one has been charged in connection with his death.

Northwestern State cancelled the remainder of its football season on Thursday and Laird stepped down as head coach.

"Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly," Northwestern State president Marcus Jones said, per ESPN's Dave Wilson. "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."

Laird added: "Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don't feel I can give my all to these players or this program. Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA."

The Northwestern State football team has canceled the remainder of its season after the death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell.

"Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly," President Marcus Jones said in a statement released Thursday.

"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."

The school has also accepted the resignation of head coach Brad Laird, who was in his sixth season as the Demons' head coach.

"Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don't feel I can give my all to these players or this program," Laird said.

"Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA."

Police found Caldwell, 21, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at the Quad (Frog Pond) Apartments on University Parkway in Natchitoches, Louisiana, during the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 12, per a police statement relayed by the Natchitoches Parish Journal. The Natchitoches Parish Coroner's Office pronounced Caldwell deceased as a result of those injuries.

Two men have been arrested in connection with Caldwell's death, per a KTBS-TV report.

Police detained 27-year-old John McIntosh, Caldwell's roommate, on possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. He has since been released from a detention center on bond.

Police also arrested Caldwell's ex-teammate, 22-year-old Maurice Campbell II, on "obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance."

Campbell, a defensive tackle, played four games for the Demons this year. He is no longer listed on the roster.

Neither man has been arrested on murder charges in response to Caldwell's passing.

Caldwell had not played yet this season due to injury but stayed around the team and served as a "de facto defensive assistant coach" this year, per a NWSU athletic department statement.

Laird also issued this statement soon after Caldwell's death.

"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."

Per the Natchitoches Parish Journal, Caldwell made the Southland Conference Commissioner's Fall Honor Roll in 2022 for having a 3.0 minimum GPA. He majored in business administration and had plans to "open a health-focused business" after graduating.

The transfer from Tyler Junior College in Texas also served as a youth baseball coach last summer in Natchitoches.

Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell died Thursday at the age of 21 due to multiple gunshot wounds, according to ESPN.com.

Brittney Hazelton of KSLA reported police in Natchitoches, Louisiana, received a report of gunshots at the 3800 block of University Parkway at around 1:08 a.m. ET. Officers found Caldwell at the scene, and he was pronounced dead by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner's Office.

"The Northwestern State family has suffered a tremendous loss," head coach Brad Laird said. "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."

The school canceled Saturday's game against Nicholls in the wake of Caldwell's death.

The junior safety transferred to Northwestern State after playing two years at Tyler Junior College. He appeared in all 11 of the Demons' games in 2022, finishing with 42 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.

The school said Caldwell was "a de facto defensive assistant coach" this season while out injured.

With Saturday's cancellation, Northwestern State is now set to resume action Oct. 21 against Southeastern Louisiana. However, the school said that "decisions regarding Northwestern State's remaining football games will be made as the season progresses."