A Plainfield, Illinois 21-year-old woman, Kara Welsh, who was studying management and was a gymnast at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, was shot and killed Friday night.
Welsh’s death occurred around 11:54 p.m. Friday at her apartment located in the 100 block of West Whitewater Street in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
University chancellor Corey King announced the death of the school’s national title-winning gymnast via a statement released on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness that we announce a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student has passed away. Kara Welsh, age 21, from Plainfield, Illinois, died in a shooting off campus on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024,” the statement read.
“Kara was majoring in management in our College of Business and Economics and was a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team, winning an individual national title on the vault in 2023.”
According to Whitewater police, the 21-year-old was shot multiple times by a 23-year-old man who she knew. The two reportedly had an altercation inside the apartment leading to him shooting her multiple times.
Police discovered the suspect on scene and arrested him. He is currently being held in a Walworth County jail on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, among others.
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In the wake of her death, the family of decorated gymnast Kara Walsh decided to start a GoFundMe in her honor.
Describing her as having a ‘sweet disposition’, and a great ‘sense of himor’, her family lauded her for her ability to ‘bring joy to any person she crossed paths with’.
“We are completely heartbroken for our beloved Welsh family – Nancy, Tom, and Kaeli as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. They will surely have so much to endure in the near future and we would like to help ease the financial burden during this period of grief, planning and travel that will surely be necessary, the fundraiser, which is seeking $25,000,” read.
As at press time, the fundraiser had raised most of its $25,000 goal.
