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Photo Credit: Getty Images
 
The  quiet college town of Whitewater, Wisconsin was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the life of a promising young athlete. Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and national title-winning gymnast, was fatally shot in an apartment near campus.
 
According to the Whitewater Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting just before midnight on Friday. Upon arrival, they found Welsh deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. A 23-year-old male suspect, known to the victim, was present at the scene and taken into custody.
 
Welsh, a management major from Plainfield, Illinois, was entering her senior year and had already made her mark in collegiate gymnastics. In 2023, she clinched an individual national title on the vault for the UW-Whitewater Warhawks gymnastics team. 
 
University Chancellor Corey King addressed the campus community, stating, "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 university lowered its flag to half-staff on September 3rd, the first day of the fall semester, in Welsh's memory.
 
The suspect, whose name has not been released, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed. Police reported that an altercation occurred between Welsh and the suspect prior to the shooting, though the nature of their relationship remains unclear.
 
This incident has left the UW-Whitewater community reeling. The university has mobilized support services, offering counseling to students, faculty, and staff. The athletics department gathered the gymnastics team to inform them personally of the loss of their teammate.
 
As the investigation continues, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Welsh's family, raising over $20,000 within days of the tragedy. The outpouring of support demonstrates the impact Welsh had on her community and the shock felt by those who knew her.
 

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