Plainfield Central Alum Killed In Shooting Near UW-Whitewater Campus
A graduate of Plainfield Central High School was killed in a shooting near the campus of UW-Whitewater. 21-year-old Kara Welsh of Plainfield was shot and and killed in an apartment in the 100 block of W. Whitewater Street in Whitewater, WI just after 11:55 on Friday night. Police have arrested a 23-year-old male who was also in the unit with Welsh at the time. It’s believed that there was a dispute between the two. The suspect has been charged with First-Degree Intentional Homicide, Endangering Safety by the Use of a Dangerous Weapon and Disorderly Conduct while Armed.
The Chancellor of UW-Whitewater, Corey King, released a statement:
Dear students, faculty and staff,
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. More information is available on the City of Whitewater website.
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.
Please know that counseling services are available to you. For students, please contact the University Health and Counseling Services. For faculty and staff, please contact Acentra, the Employee Assistance Program.
Since learning of this tragedy, our colleagues across Whitewater have come together to respond and to engage in layers of support for our students, faculty and staff.
- Our Dean of Students office is connected with Kara’s family and is helping them navigate through the unimaginable situation of the loss of their loved one.
- Our Athletics leadership brought together the gymnastics team and coaches to inform them in person, and University Health and Counseling Services offered counseling support.
- Our Academic Affairs staff are planning to provide extra support and flexibility to affected students with classes beginning on Tuesday.
- Our UW-Whitewater Police Department continued their close collaboration with the City of Whitewater Police Department by providing assistance in the investigation.
- The Chancellor’s Cabinet and other university leaders continue to stay in contact and take action to lead us through this difficult time.
Details for memorial services will be shared when they are available. I have directed that the UW-Whitewater flag fly at half-staff on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in Kara’s memory.
