Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnastics champion Kara Welsh killed in shooting

WHITEWATER, Wis. — Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student and a national gymnastics champion, was shot and killed late Friday night. A 23-year-old suspect is in custody.

Welsh, who is from Plainfield, Illinois, was a member of the Warhawk gymnastics team, the university said in a statement. Last year, Welsh took the individual national title on vault at the NCAA Division III championships. She majored in management in the university's College of Business and Economics.

"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," UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King said.

The university is offering counseling to the gymnastics team and coaches, who were informed in-person. "Our hearts are broken with the tragic loss of one of our own," the team said on Facebook.

Staff plan to provide extra support and flexibility to students ahead of classes beginning Tuesday. King directed UW-Whitewater's flag to fly at half-staff on Tuesday. Details for memorial services will be shared once available, the university said.

In a post to social media, USA Gymnastics said "we offer our deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends and teammates at UW-Whitewater Gymnastics."

Police have not yet named the 23-year-old suspect, who remains in Walworth County (Wis.) Jail. Police said the shooting happened at an off-campus apartment building.

Details of what led to the shooting were not released, though police said it evolved from an altercation between Welsh and the man, who knew each other.

Police have asked the Walworth County District Attorney's Office to consider a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed.

The investigation is ongoing, police added, and no additional information would be released immediately.