Victims of ECSU Shooting Identified as 21-Year-Old Isaiah Caldwell and Two Other Students: A Tragic Incident Unfolds During Viking Fest Celebration at Elizabeth City State University
On the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, a senseless and deadly act of gun violence marred the annual Viking Fest celebration at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), resulting in the untimely death of 21-year-old Isaiah Caldwell, a beloved student of the Great Dane Chapter (Fall 2021). The shooting also left two other students injured, both of whom are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. This tragic event, which unfolded just before midnight near Bias Hall, has left the ECSU community reeling and deeply affected.
Isaiah Caldwell: A Promising Life Cut Short
Isaiah Caldwell, a 21-year-old student at ECSU, was one of the victims of this horrific shooting. He was participating in the lively and celebratory atmosphere of Viking Fest, an annual event that attracts hundreds of students and alumni to the campus. Caldwell, who was an active member of the Great Dane Chapter of the university’s Greek life, had been enjoying the festivities, bonding with his peers and classmates. Sadly, his life was cut short as he became an innocent bystander in an attack that had nothing to do with the university’s community.
In an emotional statement, university officials and family members expressed their grief over Isaiah’s untimely passing, describing him as a bright and promising young man with a future full of potential. Those who knew him remembered his passion for community engagement and his active participation in both academic and extracurricular activities. Isaiah’s death has not only affected his immediate family but also the entire ECSU community, which now mourns the loss of one of its own.
The Incident: Chaos at Viking Fest
The shooting took place during the final day of Viking Fest, an event that traditionally features the ECSU Blue and White Vikings Spring Football game. The festival is a highly anticipated occasion for students, alumni, and the broader community to come together in celebration. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as hundreds gathered at the Quad near Bias Hall.
However, as the evening progressed and the festivities reached their peak, a group of individuals unaffiliated with ECSU arrived on campus and engaged in gunfire. It remains unclear whether the perpetrators had any specific target or if the violence was entirely random, but their reckless actions have had tragic consequences.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, causing widespread panic among those present. People scattered in all directions, desperately trying to find safety. The chaos and confusion led to a frightening scene as students, alumni, and families struggled to make sense of what was happening.
The Victims: Isaiah Caldwell and Two Other Injured Students
Amidst the chaos, Isaiah Caldwell was struck by the gunfire and severely injured. Despite the rapid response of emergency medical personnel, Caldwell tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. His death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him, as well as within the ECSU community, where he was seen as a leader, a brother, and a friend.
In addition to Isaiah Caldwell, two other ECSU students were injured in the shooting. Both sustained gunshot wounds to the legs and/or abdomen and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their identities have not been disclosed, but they are reportedly in stable condition and receiving ongoing medical care. While their physical wounds may eventually heal, the emotional and psychological scars of this traumatic experience will likely stay with them for a long time.
The shooting has also deeply affected other members of the ECSU community, who were present at Viking Fest that evening. Several individuals shared accounts of the terrifying experience, including Victoria Lewis, who spoke with Channel2 NOW about the ordeal. Lewis, who had attended the event with her daughter and grandson, recounted how her daughter and her friends found shelter as gunfire rang out. Her grandson narrowly escaped by running in the opposite direction. Fortunately, both of them are safe, but the fear and uncertainty of that moment will remain with them for some time.
The Response: Authorities and ECSU Take Action
Following the shooting, the Elizabeth City Police Department (ECPD) issued an emergency alert shortly before midnight, advising students, faculty, and residents to shelter in place as the situation unfolded. The police quickly cordoned off the area surrounding Bias Hall, and law enforcement agencies, including the ECPD, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), initiated an investigation into the incident.
As of Sunday, April 27, 2025, authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the campus. The ECSU Police Department has heightened patrols on campus as a precautionary measure, and access to the center of campus remains restricted as investigators continue their work. The university has promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses and urged the community to remain vigilant but calm.
In the wake of the shooting, ECSU officials expressed their profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy for the victims and their families. In a statement released to the public, the university described the incident as a tragic event that “tarnished the spirit of Viking Fest,” and extended its condolences to all those affected by the violence. The statement emphasized that the entire ECSU community stands together in support of the victims and their loved ones.
Campus and Community Response: Grieving and Supporting One Another
In response to the tragedy, ECSU has set up counseling services for students, faculty, and staff who may be experiencing trauma or distress. On Sunday, April 27, 2025, counseling services began at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center, with extended hours to accommodate the needs of those seeking support. In addition, immediate and after-hours counseling services are available through the university’s dedicated helpline at 252-335-3275.
University officials have urged students and staff to seek help if they are struggling with the emotional aftermath of the shooting. The sense of loss and grief is palpable across the campus, with many students, faculty, and staff members coming together in solidarity to process the shock and sadness that has descended on the community.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Healing
As ECSU grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, the focus has shifted to healing and recovery. The university has pledged to support the victims and their families in every way possible, providing counseling, resources, and assistance during this difficult time. In addition to the formal support systems in place, members of the ECSU community have come together to offer their condolences and support to the grieving families.
The tragic loss of Isaiah Caldwell has also sparked broader conversations about gun violence, campus safety, and the need for greater security measures at public events. While it is still too early to determine all the specifics surrounding the shooting, ECSU has vowed to take steps to ensure that future events are as safe as possible for all attendees.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are working tirelessly to identify those responsible for the crime and bring them to justice. In the meantime, the ECSU community remains united in its grief, and all eyes are focused on finding peace and healing in the face of this unspeakable tragedy.
Conclusion: A Legacy Remembered
Isaiah Caldwell, who was taken too soon, will be remembered not only for his vibrant personality and contributions to the ECSU community but also for the way he touched the lives of everyone around him. His death is a stark reminder of the dangers that exist in our world and the fragile nature of life itself. However, as the ECSU community processes its grief, there is a collective determination to ensure that Isaiah’s memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
The investigation into this senseless act of violence will continue, but for now, the focus remains on honoring the lives of the victims, supporting their families, and finding a way to heal from the trauma that has shaken the very foundation of ECSU.
In this moment of tragedy, the ECSU community stands united in love, support, and remembrance, as they strive to move forward, honoring the memory of Isaiah Caldwell and the others affected by this devastating event.
