The college sports community is reeling from the tragic loss of Kara Welsh, a beloved gymnast at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The 21-year-old was fatally shot in an off-campus apartment by a man she knew, according to local police. The devastating news has left the UW-Whitewater athletic department and the entire community in mourning.
“To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” Coach Jen Regan shared in a heartfelt statement on September 1. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up during her time as a Warhawk gymnast.” She added, “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.”
UW-Whitewater’s Athletic Director and Assistant Chancellor Ryan Callahan also reflected on the profound loss. “Kara was an amazing young woman,” he told local outlet WKOW on September 1, expressing the shock and sorrow felt by the entire community. “Right away you just knew there were so many people who were impacted by Kara’s personality, leadership, and just being a great teammate.”
In the team’s statement, Ryan shared, “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.”
Kara’s teammates also expressed their grief, with gymnast Carley Scott posting on her Instagram Story, “Absolutely heartbroken. I love you forever, Kara.” Teammate Kelsey Kolhoff shared a link to a GoFundMe page set up to support Kara’s family—including her parents, Nancy and Tom Welsh, and sister Kaeli—writing, “Please support my girl and her family.”
Whitewater police confirmed in a statement on August 31 that officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim just before midnight, finding Kara deceased with multiple wounds. The statement also noted that a 23-year-old male, known to Kara, was present at the scene. The investigation revealed that an altercation had occurred between the two before the shooting. The man has since been arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed. The investigation is ongoing.
As law enforcement continues to uncover the details surrounding Kara’s death, the Whitewater community is rallying together in support. Ryan Callahan noted that a memorial and vigil will be held at the school, adding, “It makes it a lot easier to get through times like these when you have such a supportive community, from the student-athletes within the team to the community itself and other campus areas that are helping out with the grieving process for all of us.”
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