On Saturday, tragedy struck the NFL world and the New England Patriots. Apparently, former Patriots wide receiver Donald Reche Caldwell died after an alleged ambush. According to TMZ, the star received gunshot wounds to the leg and the chest. Sadly, he died en route to the hospital at the age of 41.
The incident took place in Tampa, Florida, in an incident involving two assailants. As per reports, the two perpetrators tried to rob him. Prior to the incident, Caldwell was preparing for a date with his girlfriend. Latest information suggests that officials are still working on developing the leads in Caldwell’s murder.
What makes it even more terrifying is the suspicion that Caldwell’s death was not a random act of burglary gone wrong. Instead, the unknown assailants targeted him specifically. However, officials abstained from providing further updates on the situation.
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The New England Patriots were devastated at the loss
In light of the tragedy, former players and coaches all flocked to social media to pay their condolences to Caldwell’s family. New England Patriots legend Tom Brady even shared two screenshots of Reche Caldwell to his Instagram story with the caption, “All Love RIP.”
From @TomBrady on former teammate Reche Caldwell, who was shot to death in Tampa. Caldwell was Brady’s top receiver with the Patriots in 2006. pic.twitter.com/jGYViprTZG
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) June 7, 2020
The two linked up in the 2006 season and Caldwell was also the Patriots’ leading receiver that year with 760 yards. Meanwhile, Patriots coach Bill Belichick also issued a statement regarding the Reche Caldwell death.
Statement from Bill Belichick regarding Reche Caldwell. pic.twitter.com/p0qJrO9kTF
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 7, 2020
Caldwell was a Jefferson High School graduate and alumnus before playing for the University of Florida’s Gators football team. He clinched the SEC Championship in 2000 before the now LA Chargers roped him in 2002. After three seasons with the Chargers, he had stints with the New England Patriots, Washington Redskins and LA Rams. In 71 career games, the Reche Caldwell has impressive NFL stats of 152 passes, 1851 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
We mourn the passing of six-year NFL veteran WR Reche Caldwell.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/pEBuXxFKNY
— NFL (@NFL) June 7, 2020
Always kept us laughing and light hearted. Always had the biggest smile. Always had the greatest stories. Sad to hear about the passing of my teammate Reche Caldwell. May the Lord comfort his family during this time.
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) June 7, 2020
R.I.P former Florida Gator WR Donald Reche Caldwell. My condolences to your family friends and former teammates @GatorsFB @FloridaGators pic.twitter.com/7BwZDwj6Ga
— Coach Kite Golden Eye Scouts (@Bigtanktv) June 7, 2020
So sad to hear this! Reche’s smile and attitude were contagious! My thoughts and prayers go out to Bubba Caldwell and his family! https://t.co/CXBUdKGFJk
— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) June 7, 2020
I played against Reche Caldwell in college, we were both c/o 2002, and spent time together on the 2007 Patriots. so many stories, but one thing you knew about Shady was he always smiling. here’s a 2002 rookie card we shared. RIP, good brother. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/HXUdoZdRXX
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) June 7, 2020
Truly a sad day for Jefferson Football as we lost a JBoy great- Donald Reche Caldwell Jr. Our condolences go out to the Caldwell Family.
— Once a Dragon ALWAYS a Dragon pic.twitter.com/OAWoKji3zN— Jefferson High School Football College Recruiting (@Jboy_Recruits) June 7, 2020
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We are all saddened by the death of Reche Caldwell. He was one of the best WR’s in school history and was very instrumental in winning the 2000 SEC Championship. We will always remember him and RIP Reche! -Coach S.S.
— Coach Steve Spurrier (@SteveSpurrierUF) June 8, 2020
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Reche Caldwell was a few years older than me and part of a trio of WRs at UF that I really looked up to coming out of HS and when I was in college. When I hosted his brother Bubba on his OV to USC, I remember asking all these questions about his brother. 🙏🏾
— Keary Colbert (@kearycolbert) June 7, 2020
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