University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast killed in shooting at off-campus apartment. One suspect in custody

A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Kara Welsh. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast was killed in an off-campus apartment this weekend, just days before the start of the fall semester.

University of Washington Chancellor Corey King confirmed Welsh's death in a message to the school community on Friday, describing her as an “outstanding member of the Warhawk gymnastics team.” The 21-year-old rising senior from Plainfield, Illinois, won the national title on vault at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship last year and was studying business administration, according to the school's athletic department.

“We know the news of Kara's death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community,” King wrote in his message on Saturday, three days before the first day of classes. “It is a time when we are all called to support one another, process the death and grieve.”

Officers responded to a residence near Main Street in Whitewater, about 50 miles west of Milwaukee, shortly before midnight Friday after receiving a report of a person shot, Whitewater police said in a news release. There they found a woman, later identified as Welsh, with multiple gunshot wounds. A 23-year-old man “known to Welsh” was also in the residence, police said.

“Through investigation, it was determined that there had been an altercation between the two prior to the shooting,” police said. The press release did not describe the relationship between Welsh and the 23-year-old.

The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, was arrested and is currently being held in the Walworth County Jail, police said. Police have recommended that the Walworth County District Attorney's Office file charges of first-degree murder, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while at gunpoint.

The university's athletic department called Welsh a “phenom on vault” who “excelled” in “high-pressure situations,” noting that she had four of the eight highest vault scores in the history of the school's gymnastics program.

“It is impossible to put into words the impact Kara has had on the Warhawk community,” said Jennifer Regan, head coach of women's gymnastics at UW-Whitewater. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate and the light in everyone's dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up during her time as a Warhawk gymnast. There are no words to describe the emptiness we all feel in our hearts, but Kara's legacy will live on forever in Warhawk gymnastics.”

In a post on a GoFundMe page organized on behalf of Welsh's family, the gymnast was described as a “daughter, sister, dear friend and teammate” who was looking forward to her senior year.

“Kara had a unique ability to bring joy to everyone she met. With her sense of humor, unwavering support and kind nature, she always put a smile on people's faces,” the campaign said.

The university's flag will fly at half-staff on Tuesday in memory of Welsh, said King, the UW-Whitewater chancellor. The university has set up counseling services for students, faculty and staff, and additional support and flexibility will be provided to students who need it.

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