Kara Welsh: American gymnast dies aged 21 from 'multiple gunshot wounds' as man arrested at scene

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student sustained multiple gunshot wounds in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and a 23-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. According to a statement released by Whitewater Police on August 31, officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim at an apartment in Whitewater.

Upon arrival, Welsh was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds. The police also found a 23-year-old man at the scene, who was detained and is believed to have known the victim. The authorities said that "an altercation had occurred between the two" prior to the shooting.

Welsh, a standout gymnast at UW-Whitewater, was identified as the victim in a subsequent police release. The male suspect was arrested and is being held in the Walworth County Jail. Charges of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed are being forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney's Office.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King released a statement following her death and announced that a memorial service would be arranged and that the school flag would be flown at half-mast on Tuesday, September 3, in her honour.

Welsh, originally from Plainfield, Illinois, was not only a management major at the College of Business and Economics but also a celebrated member of the Warhawk gymnastics team. In 2023, she won an individual national title on the vault. Mr King said: "We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community.

USA Gymnastics also paid tribute to Welsh. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), it said: "We offer our deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends, and teammates at @UWWGymnastics."

Jennifer Regan, head coach of UW-Whitewater gymnastics, said: “To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible. 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. There are no words to describe the void we all feel in our hearts, but Kara’s legacy will live on through Warhawk gymnastics forever.”