Arrest Made In Connection To The Death Of National Champion College Gymnast Kara Welsh

Kara Welsh, a senior gymnast from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a national champion and two-time All-American from Plainfield, Ill./Central, tragically passed away on August 30, 2024.

The late 21-year-old was a standout on the vault and had achieved four of the top eight scores ever recorded by a Warhawk gymnast on the vault. Beyond her impressive gymnastics skills, Welsh was known for her dedication and support as a teammate.

In Kara Welsh's honor, flags on the UW-Whitewater campus will be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, September 3.

A man has been taken into custody following the fatal shooting of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student.

On Friday, August 30, at around 11:54 p.m. local time, the Whitewater Police Department responded to reports of a gunshot victim in the 100 block of W. Whitewater Street. Authorities have confirmed that a 23-year-old male has been arrested and is now held in the Walworth County Jail.

The unidentified man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed.

The shooting occurred off campus.

In the official press release, police confirmed the shooting occurred in an apartment, and a 23-year-old male who was known to the deceased female was also present at the time of the incident.

"Through investigation, it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two," authorities said. "The male was detained, and the investigation is ongoing. We are confident that there is no continued threat to the community at this time."

Following the news, Plainfield School District 202 issued a statement addressing the tragic death of Kara Welsh.

"Plainfield School District 202 is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Kara Welsh, a 2021 Plainfield High School-Central Campus graduate, this weekend," the school district said. "The entire Plainfield 202 community extends its deepest condolences to the Welsh family and friends during this time of unimaginable sorrow."

Superintendent of Schools Dr Glenn Wood added, “The Plainfield 202 community is deeply saddened by the loss of Kara Welsh was not only a great student-athlete but an outstanding person who exemplified the best of Plainfield. She was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of so many in our community.”

Gymnastics Coach Jen Regan said Kara had an impact on the Warhawk community as she was "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," Regan said of Welsh. "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.”

Athletic Director Ryan Callahan added, “Kara was a true Warhawk – an amazing person, student, and athlete. We are all lucky to have spent time with her over the past three years. She was selfless and made everyone around her better. Our hearts go out to her mom, Nancy, and the rest of her family and friends.”

In a message shared to a GoFundMe page, the family shared, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our beloved, Kara Welsh. Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend, and teammate who grew up in Plainfield, Illinois."

"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," the statement continued. "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," the statement added.

The 21-year-old was set to begin her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Last year, Welsh secured the individual national title on vault at the NCAA Division III championships.

100% of the funds donated to the GoFundMe will go directly to the Welsh family.