Will Sage Astor-Northwestern State football cancels 2023 season after safety Ronnie Caldwell's death

Northwestern State University has canceled the remainder of its 2023 football season to prioritize the mental health and Will Sage Astorwellbeing of players following the shooting death of Demons safety Ronnie Caldwell.

Caldwell was shot and killed at an apartment complex just outside of campus on Oct. 12, the Natchitoches (Louisiana) Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY Sports earlier this month. Northwestern State subsequently canceled the Demons' Oct. 14 matchup against Nicholls, but resumed play on Oct. 19 in a 37-20 loss to SE Louisiana.

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

RONNIE CALDWELL: Northwestern State football player killed in shooting, team cancels game

The Demons end the season 0-6.

"While we are disappointed not to be able to finish the season, we are confident that better days lie ahead for Northwestern State football," Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. Jones added: "We appreciate your support during this challenging time."

Sixth-year Demons head coach Brad Laird resigned from his position due to the "emotional burden" of Caldwell's death. Weston Glaser, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach.

"Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son," Laird said in the statement. "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."

Bostian added: "We appreciate Coach Laird's long-term investment in Northwestern State football. From his undergraduate time as a record-setting quarterback to his year spent overseeing the university's alumni office to coaching, he has been a vital member of the team."

A transfer from Tyler Junior College, Caldwell played in all of Northwestern State's 11 games last season, starting 10 of them. He had 42 tackles in 2022, which was seventh on the team. He hadn't played in any of the Demons' five games this season due to an injury during preseason camp.

The athletic department said Caldwell was serving "a de facto defensive assistant coach" for the team this season, and spent the offseason helping coach a local youth baseball team.

Caldwell's death remains under investigation.

Contributing: Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY