WHITEWATER, WI – A young life was tragically cut short in Whitewater, Wisconsin, late Friday night. Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old student-athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was fatally shot in an off-campus apartment.
The incident occurred just before midnight when police responded to a call on Whitewater Street. Upon arrival, they discovered Welsh with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, she could not be saved.
A 23-year-old man has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, among other offenses. Police have indicated that an altercation preceded the shooting, though the exact nature of the dispute remains unclear.
Welsh, a native of Plainfield, Illinois, was a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team and a dedicated student pursuing a management degree. Her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many.
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King expressed his condolences in a message to the campus, acknowledging the profound impact of Welsh’s passing on the tight-knit community. The university is offering support services to students, faculty, and staff as they grapple with this devastating loss.
The Warhawk Athletics department also paid tribute to Welsh, highlighting her contributions to the team and the university.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Welsh’s death. Meanwhile, the campus and surrounding community are left to mourn the loss of a young woman whose potential was tragically cut short.