United States
United Kingdom
Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old national gymnastics champion who took the individual national title on vault at the NCAA Division III championships in 2023, tragically lost her life on Friday night.
Kara, who also majored in management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics, was shot and killed by a 23-year-old suspect who has since been put under police custody.
The Plainfield, Illinois-born was a “standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team”, according to a statement issued by the university following the event.
“The News of Kara’s Death Is Heartbreaking“
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King called the news of Kara’s passing “heartbreaking” for the “close-knit university community”, calling for support and a time to process and grieve.
The US university offered counseling to the gymnastics team and coaches who received the news in person.
In a Facebook post, the gymnastics team said their hearts were “broken with the tragic loss of one of our own“.
With classes about to resume on Tuesday, university staff will offer additional support and more flexibility to students.
USA Gymnastics also took to their social media page to offer their
Deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends and teammates at UW-Whitewater Gymnastics.
We offer our deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends and teammates at @UWWGymnastics. pic.twitter.com/5XsUEway2n
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) September 1, 2024
Possible Charge of First-Degree Intentional Homicide
The suspect, who has remained unnamed, is still in Walworth County Jail. According to police information, the shooting incident occurred at an off-campus apartment building near the downtown area in Whitewater that hosts bars preferred by college students.
The police did not release any details on what led to Kara being shot multiple times by the male suspect but mentioned that it grew from a physical altercation between the two who apparently knew one another.
The investigation is still ongoing. Police have asked the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office to consider charging the suspect with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon, as well as disorderly conduct while armed.
