Title-Winning Gymnast Tragically Killed

September 4, 2024

Death — Red roses on light grey tombstone outdoors. Funeral ceremony

A national title-winning gymnast’s promising life was cut tragically short near a Wisconsin campus, leaving a community reeling.

At a Glance

A man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh.
The incident occurred following an altercation at a campus-area apartment.
Kara Welsh, 21, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspect is booked on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide and other charges.

National Title-Winning Gymnast Fatally Shot

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community is in mourning after the untimely death of Kara Welsh, a standout athlete with a bright future. Welsh, 21, was fatally shot late Friday in a campus-area apartment following an altercation with a 23-year-old man known to her. The Whitewater Police Department responded to reports of gunshot wounds in the 100 block of W. Whitewater Street, where Welsh was found with multiple gunshot wounds.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, has been booked on multiple charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety while armed, and disorderly conduct while armed. Police confirmed that Welsh’s death resulted from an ongoing altercation between the two.

Remembering Kara Welsh

Kara Welsh was not just an exceptional gymnast but also a beloved student and friend to many. A senior business management major from Plainfield, Illinois, Welsh made significant contributions to the Warhawk gymnastics team. She won an individual national title on the vault in 2023 and held four of the eight highest vault scores in team history. “We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community,” said UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King.

“To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” said coach Jen Regan. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up in her time as a Warhawk gymnast.” Tributes have poured in from across the nation, spotlighting her positive impact on both her teammates and the broader community. The university community is offering substantial support to students, with grief counselors available and a remembrance event planned in Plainfield, where neighbors will tie white ribbons on trees near Welsh’s family home.

Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student and a national gymnastics champion, was shot and killed late Friday night. https://t.co/W9Qb12TWyu

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) September 2, 2024

Campus Grieving and Memorials

University Chancellor Corey King emphasized the importance of community support during this time. Weekly memorial services will be announced soon, and flags on campus will be flown at half-staff in her honor. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s athletic director, Ryan Callahan, reflected on Welsh’s legacy, calling her “a true Warhawk – an amazing person, student, and athlete.”

Support mechanisms are in place to help the community navigate this tragic event. Counseling services are available for students, faculty, and staff, and the school’s Dean of Students office is actively assisting Welsh’s family. USA Gymnastics also offered its deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends, and teammates. “Right away, you just knew there were so many people impacted by Kara’s personality, her leadership, and just being a great teammate,” said Callahan.