Kara Welsh of The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnastics team passed away on August 30 She was 21. According to Whitewater Police, she was shot in an apartment off campus by a male she knew.
In a statement police said they found Kara deceased before midnight on August 30. She sustained many gunshot wounds. The police also found a 23-year-old man with the deceased. The police found out there had been an altercation between the two.
The man has been arrested and charged with first -degree homicide and two other counts. The investigation is ongoing.
A statement has been released by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King about Kara following her death.
“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.”
“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.” “Please know that counseling services are available”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Kara’s family. She is survived by her parents Nancy and Tom Welsh, and a sister Kaeli.
The GoFundMe talks states:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our beloved, Kara Welsh. Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend and teammate who grew up in Plainfield, Illinois. Kara had a unique ability to bring joy to any person she crossed paths with, always putting a smile on people’s faces with her sense of humor, unwavering support and sweet disposition. Kara, 21 years old, was excited to be in her rising senior year as a gymnast at UW-Whitewater which was abruptly cut short on August 30th, by a heartless act of violence.”
It adds about supporting the heartbroken Welsh family during this sad and difficult time as they will need financial help with the “grief, planning, and travel.”
So far, over $14,000 has been raised of a $25,000 goal.
Rest In Peace
