Authorities have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old gymnast at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, near the campus, New York Post reports.
Welsh, who had recently won a national vault title for the Warhawk gymnastics team, was discovered dead of multiple gunshot wounds in an apartment just a block from the university’s main campus. Police arrived at the scene shortly before midnight and discovered Welsh deceased.
The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety through the use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed. Authorities believe Welsh knew the suspect, though the details of their relationship are unknown. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
On Saturday, University Chancellor Corey King issued a statement to the university community expressing his deep sorrow over Welsh’s death. “Kara Welsh, age 21, from Plainfield, Illinois, died in a shooting off campus on Friday, August 30, 2024,” says King. He emphasized Welsh’s accomplishments as a student and athlete, citing her national gymnastics title and major in management.
In honor of Welsh, the university will lower its flag to half-staff on September 3, the first day of the fall semester. Counseling services will be available to students, faculty, and staff.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Welsh’s family, which includes her parents, Nancy and Tom Welsh, and her sister, Kaeli. The page expresses the community’s grief and gratitude for Welsh’s influence on those around her.
“Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend, and teammate who grew up in Plainfield, Illinois,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Her sense of humor, unwavering support, and sweet disposition brought joy to everyone she met. Her life was tragically cut short by this act of violence, and we are heartbroken for the Welsh family as they navigate this difficult time.”
