Heartbreak at Elizabeth City State University: Isaiah Caldwell Fatally Shot During Viking Fest Celebration
Elizabeth City, NC —
It is with profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that the Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) community mourns the tragic and untimely passing of Isaiah Caldwell, a beloved student and member of the Great Dane Chapter (Fall 2021 line).
Isaiah’s life was senselessly cut short during a devastating act of gun violence that erupted amid the university’s cherished Viking Fest celebrations on Saturday evening, April 26, 2025.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred shortly before midnight near Bias Hall, a central location on the ECSU campus. Hundreds of students, alumni, and visitors had gathered for the final day of festivities, which included the ECSU Blue and White Vikings Spring Football Game and a variety of events on the campus Quad.
Officials said that Isaiah, who was simply enjoying the evening alongside his fellow classmates, was caught in crossfire when individuals unaffiliated with the university initiated gunfire on the campus grounds.
Despite immediate emergency response efforts and transportation to a nearby hospital by private individuals, Isaiah Caldwell succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
In addition to Isaiah’s tragic death, three other students sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and abdomen. They were promptly transported to a local hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have stated that all three injured students are expected to recover.
Shortly after the shooting, the Elizabeth City Police Department issued an emergency text alert urging residents and students to “shelter in place” as officers from multiple agencies responded to the unfolding situation.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear. Victoria Lewis, whose daughter and grandson were near the scene, shared her harrowing experience with Channel2 NOW.
“My daughter and her friends managed to find shelter quickly, and my grandson — caught dangerously close to the crossfire — had the instincts to run in the opposite direction,” Lewis recounted. “By the grace of God, they made it out safely.”
The Elizabeth City State University Police Department, Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are jointly leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.
As of Sunday, authorities confirmed that there is no continuing threat to the campus community. Nonetheless, ECSU has increased police patrols, restricted access to the campus core, and continues to prioritize student safety and healing.
In a statement, university officials expressed their devastation:
“Our hearts are broken. Isaiah Caldwell was a beloved member of our Viking family, and we extend our deepest prayers and condolences to his loved ones, the injured students, and all who have been impacted by this tragedy.”
To support the emotional wellbeing of students and staff, ECSU Counseling Services opened its doors early Sunday morning at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center, offering grief support sessions beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to utilize counseling services, and after-hours crisis support remains available for anyone struggling with trauma or emotional distress in the aftermath of this unimaginable loss.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging anyone with information, including photos or videos from the night of the incident, to come forward to aid their efforts.
The ECSU community now rallies together to honor the memory of Isaiah Caldwell — a young man remembered for his kindness, spirit, and dedication to his brothers and classmates — as they seek justice and healing in the days ahead.