The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is in mourning following the tragic death of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old management student and Warhawk gymnastics team member. Welsh was fatally shot off-campus in an incident involving a man she knew.
The suspect, a 23-year-old male, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide and related charges. The shooting, which occurred on August 30 just before midnight, followed an altercation between Welsh and the suspect.
When police arrived at the apartment, they discovered Welsh with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect, who had been present at the scene, was involved in a confrontation with Welsh leading up to the incident. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
University Chancellor Corey A. King has expressed profound sadness over Welsh’s death, emphasizing her achievements as a management major and a standout gymnast who earned a national title on the vault in 2023. In honor of Welsh, the university will offer counseling services to its community and will lower the school flag to half-staff when the fall semester begins.
The UW-Whitewater Athletics department has also paid tribute to Welsh through social media, sharing a photo of her in her gymnastics leotard and expressing their sorrow at her loss. The tribute reflects the deep impact of her passing on her teammates and the university community.
Welsh is survived by her family, including her parents, Nancy and Tom Welsh, and her sister, Kaeli. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support her family during this challenging time. The campaign highlights Welsh’s ability to bring joy and positivity to those around her and notes the significant impact her death has had on her loved ones and the university community.
