The Elizabeth City State University community is grappling with grief and shock after a night of celebration turned into horror when gunfire erupted during Viking Fest, claiming the life of 21-year-old Isaiah Caldwell. The promising young student, a member of the Great Dane Chapter of his fraternity, was caught in the crossfire of a senseless act of violence that has left the campus and the broader community in mourning.
The incident unfolded late Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, as hundreds of students, alumni, and visitors gathered for the final day of Viking Fest, an annual celebration marking school spirit and camaraderie. The festivities had included the ECSU Blue and White Vikings Spring Football game, with students enjoying music, food, and fellowship on the Quad near Bias Hall. But just before midnight, the joyful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunshots.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as students scrambled for safety. Victoria Lewis, whose daughter and grandson were near the shooting, recounted the terror of the moment in an interview with local media. Her daughter and friends managed to find shelter, while her grandson narrowly escaped by running in the opposite direction. “It was chaos,” Lewis said. “No one should have to fear for their life just for being at a school event.”
Isaiah Caldwell, a beloved brother, friend, and student, was struck by gunfire and rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Two other students suffered gunshot wounds to their legs and abdomen but are expected to recover. Authorities have confirmed that the shooters were not affiliated with the university, though their identities and motives remain unknown.
In response to the tragedy, the Elizabeth City Police Department issued an emergency alert urging students and residents to shelter in place as law enforcement secured the area. Multiple agencies, including the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, are actively investigating the shooting. While officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, campus police have increased patrols, and access to the center of campus remains restricted.
University leaders released a somber statement expressing their devastation over the loss of Isaiah Caldwell and extending condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Viking community. “This is a heartbreaking day for ECSU,” the statement read. “We stand together in grief and resolve to support one another through this tragedy.”
To assist students and staff in processing the trauma, ECSU Counseling Services opened Sunday morning at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center, offering immediate support to those in distress. Additional after-hours counseling is available by phone for anyone struggling with the emotional aftermath.
Practical measures have also been implemented to ensure student safety and well-being. Bedell Dining Hall was closed for the day, with meals delivered directly to residence halls and alternative dining arrangements made at the K.E. White Graduate Center. Shuttle services were provided to help students navigate campus safely.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The loss of Isaiah Caldwell has left an indelible mark on the ECSU community, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence. Friends and fraternity brothers remember him as a bright, kind-hearted individual with a promising future—one that was unjustly cut short.
In the wake of this tragedy, the university and the surrounding community are left to mourn, reflect, and seek justice. Vigils and memorials are expected in the coming days as students, faculty, and alumni honor Isaiah’s memory. For now, the focus remains on healing—and on the hope that such a senseless act of violence will never again darken the halls of Elizabeth City State University.