The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community is mourning the loss of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old national title-winning gymnast, who was tragically shot and killed near campus on Friday night. The suspect, a 23-year-old man known to Welsh, has been arrested and is facing charges in connection with her death.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded at an off-campus apartment on Whitewater Street, about a mile east of the university’s main campus. According to Whitewater police, an altercation occurred between Welsh and the suspect, which escalated into the fatal shooting. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Welsh had been shot multiple times and was already deceased.
University Chancellor Corey King shared the devastating news with the university community on Saturday, expressing the profound impact of Welsh’s death. “We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community,” King said. “It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, to process, and to grieve.”
The suspect was taken into custody and booked at Walworth County Jail on charges including first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety while armed, and disorderly conduct while armed. As of Sunday evening, police had not released further details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Kara Welsh, a business management major from Plainfield, Illinois, was not only a standout student but also a remarkable athlete. She made her mark on the university’s gymnastics team, earning a national title on the vault last year. Her achievements were celebrated by her teammates and coaches, who described her as a “vault phenom” with an indelible impact on the Warhawk community.
“To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” said coach Jen Regan. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up in her time as a Warhawk gymnast.”
The news of Welsh’s untimely death has rippled through the gymnastics community, with USA Gymnastics offering their deepest condolences on social media. “We offer our deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends, and teammates at @UWWGymnastics,” the organization said on X.
As the university grapples with this loss, plans for memorial services will be announced soon. Chancellor King noted that flags on campus will fly at half-staff when students and faculty return on Tuesday, and counseling services will be available to those in need.
The loss of Kara Welsh leaves a void that will be felt deeply across the university, a testament to the bright light she was in the lives of those who knew her.