A Northwestern State University football player was pronounced dead following a shooting near the school’s Natchitoches, La., campus, according to multiple reports.

Ronnie Caldwell, a defensive back who has yet to play this season due to an injury he suffered in camp, was killed after being shot multiple times, according to the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office. The Natchitoches Police Department responded to the shooting early Thursday and attempted to revive the junior, but he couldn’t be saved.

Natchitoches Corporal John Greely claimed they’ve got a person of interest in the slaying.

“The Northwestern State family has suffered a tremendous loss,” said head football coach Brad Laird in a prepared statement. “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.”

Northwestern State cancelled its game against Nicholls State on Saturday, but said it hasn’t made a decision on its remaining five games this season.

Although Caldwell, who transferred to NSU from Tyler Junior College, didn’t play in a game this season, he saw action in each of the Demons’ 11 contests a year ago and was a starter in 10 of them. He finished with 42 tackles during the 2022 campaign.