A U.S. college gymnast who won a national individual tile in 2023 was fatally shot near the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Friday.
Police say they have arrested a 23-year-old man who allegedly shot Kara Welsh multiple times at an apartment about a block away from the school’s campus.
Welsh, who won an individual national title on the vault for the gymnastics team last year, was said to have known the man, but the nature of their relationship was unclear.
Police have not released the name of the suspect, but the man was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while armed, the police said in another statement.
The investigation is ongoing.
Police said officers arrived shortly before midnight Friday and found Welsh dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
“Also present in the apartment was a 23-year-old male who was known to the deceased female,” a statement by police said.
“Through investigation, it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.”
University Chancellor Corey King announced Welsh’s death Saturday.
“Kara Welsh, age 21, from Plainfield, Ill., 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.
“We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community.
“It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, to process, and to grieve.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help her family through this troubling time.
“Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend and teammate who grew up in Plainfield, Illinois,” it read.
“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. We are completely heartbroken for our beloved Welsh family — Nancy, Tom, and Kaeli as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”
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