In a tragic turn of events, Northwestern State has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of its 2023 season after the untimely death of one of its players. According to ESPN.com, the university also announced the resignation of head coach Brad Laird in the wake of the devastating incident.

The player, identified as junior safety Ronnie Caldwell, lost his life on October 21 due to injuries sustained from a shooting. The 21-year-old from Cedar Park, Texas had been shot multiple times and authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Ronnie Caldwell was not only a valued member of the Northwestern State football team but was also deeply loved and respected in the community. Northwestern State president Marcus Jones expressed his condolences, stating, "Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly."

The emotional toll that Ronnie's death has taken on the team led to the decision to cancel the remainder of the season. President Jones further explained, "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."

Coach Brad Laird, who had been with Northwestern State for six seasons, also tendered his resignation. He cited the emotional burden caused by the loss of Ronnie as the reason for his decision. Laird expressed his deep connection with the team, stating, "Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son."

In light of these developments, Northwestern State announced that defensive coordinator Weston Glaser will serve as the interim head coach while the university conducts a search for its next head coach. The Southland Conference, of which Northwestern State is a member, expressed support for the school's decision. Southland commissioner Chris Grant stated, "Our unwavering commitment is to those impacted by Ronnie's loss, and we will steadfastly support Northwestern State during this period of grief and recovery."

Northwestern State, an FCS school, will now focus on healing, mourning, and providing support to Ronnie Caldwell's grieving family. As the university goes through this difficult time, their spirit of resilience remains unwavering, and they will undoubtedly strive to honor Ronnie's memory as they move forward.