Suspect arrested in connection with shooting of successful college gymnast

WHITEWATER, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) – As the first day of the fall semester approaches, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community mourns the loss of senior Kara Welsh.

According to police, the 21-year-old woman was shot in her downtown Whitewater apartment early Saturday morning.

According to Whitewater police, a 23-year-old man who knew Welsh was arrested in connection with her death.

The suspect's name has not yet been released.

In a press release from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Welsh was identified as a gymnastics student from Plainfield, Illinois.

Her coach, Jen Regan, said in a statement that it is “impossible” to put into words Welsh's impact on the Warhawk community and that her legacy will “live on forever through Warhawk gymnastics.”

“Kara is a powerful athlete, a dedicated teammate and the light in everyone's dark days. She truly lifted each and every one of us up during her time as a Warhawk gymnast,” Regan said in the statement.

During her competitive career as a gymnast, Welsh became the 2023 national vault champion, winning the title with a score of 9.825.

Welsh was also a two-time WIAC champion in vault, setting the program record in 2024 with a score of 9.875.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater athletic director Ryan Callahan called Welsh a “true Warhawk.”

Callahan added: “We are all fortunate to have been able to spend time with her over the past three years. She was selfless and made everyone around her happy. Our condolences go out to her mother Nancy and the rest of her family and friends.”

Friends of the Welsh family have started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay funeral expenses.

To honor her legacy, flags on the university campus will fly at half-mast on Tuesday, the first day of classes.

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