Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old gymnast from Wisconsin-Whitewater who won an individual title on the vault in 2023, was found dead after being shot at her off-campus home, which is about a block from the university.
When the police arrived, they found a suspect at the scene who they believe Welsh knew.
Friends later identified him as her boyfriend, according to the New York Post.
The police said, “Also present in the apartment was a 23-year-old man who was known to the deceased.”
The investigation found that before the shooting, there was a conflict between the two people involved.
The investigation is still ongoing. Officials stated that the 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, using a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed. His bail is set at $1 million, and the judge said he is a “significant flight risk.”
Welsh was a key member of her college gymnastics team and was known as the “Phenom on the Vault.”
Her friends are still in disbelief and are left utterly heartbroken.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to get a call like this. Kara, you deserved everything good in the world,” said Brooks, a friend who trained with Welsh at Aspire Gymnastics Academy. “I just wish I could see you one more time, laugh with you one more time, and hug you one more time.”
The Aspire Gymnastics Academy honored Kara with a heartfelt post and photos of her.
“As Kara grew, so did Aspire. She was a steady presence in a sport with many ups and downs. She was full of life and had a great personality,” the training center said. “Kara had a unique way of expressing herself with her face. Today, Aspire lost a piece of its heart. Kara, we love you.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to help Kara’s grieving family.
The page says, “Kara had a special ability to bring joy to everyone she met. She always made people smile with her sense of humor, support, and kind nature.”
“Kara, who was 21 years old, was looking forward to her senior year as a gymnast at UW-Whitewater. Tragically, her life was cut short on August 30th due to a terrible act of violence.”
We are deeply sorry for the loss of Kara Welsh. May she rest in peace.
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