A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old national title-winning gymnast from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, near the campus. Authorities report that the 23-year-old suspect, who was acquainted with Welsh, shot her following an altercation at an apartment close to the university late Friday.
University Chancellor Corey King communicated the news of Welsh’s death to students, faculty, and staff on Saturday, expressing the profound impact of the loss on the university community. “We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community,” King stated. “It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, to process, and to grieve.”
The suspect is currently held at the Walworth County Jail and has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety while armed, and disorderly conduct while armed. His identity has not been disclosed, leaving it uncertain whether he remains in custody or has obtained legal representation.
Initial police reports indicated that officers responded to a call about a gunshot victim, finding Welsh with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prior investigations revealed that the shooting followed an altercation between Welsh and the suspect. The incident occurred on Whitewater Street, approximately a mile from the university’s main campus, at a residence categorized as off-campus housing.
Welsh, a business management major from Plainfield, Illinois, achieved individual national recognition last year by winning a title on the vault and is noted for having four of the eight highest vault scores in the gymnastics team’s history. Her coach, Jen Regan, described Welsh as an “incredible athlete” who inspired the entire Warhawk community.
In a statement on X, USA Gymnastics expressed condolences to Welsh’s family, friends, and teammates. Chancellor King announced that memorial service details would be shared soon, and that flags on campus would be lowered to half-staff when students and faculty return. Counseling services will also be made available to those affected by the tragedy.
Welsh’s family has yet to comment publicly on the incident. The university is located about 50 miles west-southwest of Milwaukee.