Key Takeaways
- A shooting during ECSU’s Viking Fest celebration resulted in the d*ath of 24-year-old Isaiah Caldwell and injuries to six others, including three students.
- Although not an ECSU student, Caldwell was a member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc. and is remembered as a mentor and community servant.
- The community has rallied to honor Caldwell’s memory, with over a thousand people signing a petition to name the new campus café after him while authorities continue their investigation.
A celebration meant to bring joy turned into heartbreak at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) early Sunday morning, when a shooting on campus left one person d*ad and six others injured.
The tragic incident unfolded in the center of campus following Yard Fest, the final event of the university’s weeklong Viking Fest celebration.
The university has identified the victim as Isaiah Caldwell, a 24-year-old man who was not a student at ECSU.
According to reports, Caldwell was a member of the Great Dane Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc., an organization known for its commitment to community service, academic mentoring, and support for social causes.
The shooting resulted in gunshot wounds for four individuals, including three ECSU students, and two others were hurt in the commotion.
Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening, and all injured individuals were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the incident does not represent an ongoing threat to the campus community, and patrols have been increased as a precaution.
Remembering Isaiah Caldwell
The loss of Isaiah Caldwell has shaken the ECSU campus and the broader community.
In a heartfelt message, a close friend of Isaiah’s wrote:
“It is with profound sorrow and deepest sympathy that I inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved brother, Isaiah Caldwell. He was simply enjoying himself, fellowshiping, and bonding with campus students when individuals not connected to the university exchanged gunfire on campus, and our dear brother was struck in the crossfire.”
Via Facebook
Described as a remarkable soul, a mentor, and a dedicated servant of the community, Isaiah’s demise leaves behind a profound sense of grief among those who knew and loved him.
Tributes have flooded in following the tragic loss.
One mourner said,
“PRAYING FOR DA FAMILY DAT LOSS DIS YOUNG BROTHER LOVE ONE💔 OUR CITY NEED TO DO BETTER… DIS IS TO MUCH IN OUR CITY FRFR.”
Via Facebook
Another added,
“I am so sorry this young brother’s life was cut short. So sorry this happened on my beloved ECSU. Praying for the family of Isaiah Caldwell and ECSU.”
Via Facebook
In addition to heartfelt messages, the community has rallied to honor Isaiah’s memory more permanently.
A petition has been launched to name the new campus café “The Isaiah Caldwell Cafe.”
The petition highlights the importance of remembering Isaiah not just as a victim of violence, but as a cherished member of the ECSU family whose spirit should live on.
The petition states:
“Naming the café after him would serve as a constant reminder that we need to work harder to prevent such tragedies. While a name on a cafe might seem a small gesture, it will stand to represent our determination as a community to reject violence and cherish the memory of those we have lost.”
Via change.org
More than one thousand people have already signed in support of the initiative.
Investigation Ongoing
The FBI, along with state, local, and campus authorities, is currently investigating the incident.
They urge anyone with information to come forward.
In the meantime, ECSU has made support services available for students, faculty, and staff as the community grapples with this heartbreaking event.
