College gymnast is shot dead in off-campus attack in Wisconsin

A college gymnast has been shot dead inside an off-campus apartment.

Police arrested a 23-year-old man and charged him with first-degree intentional homicide over the incident, which took place near the University of Wisconsin Whitewater on Friday night.

Kara Welsh, the 21-year-old victim, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds just before midnight in her unit near campus.

Police allege she knew the man accused of her murder, but the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.

Kara Welsh, the 21-year-old victim, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds just before midnight

Welsh was a star athlete for her college, having won a national title on the vault in her junior year. She also competed as a floor specialist (pictured)

Welsh was part of the Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks Gymnastics team

Welsh's former teammate Sierra Brooks said she 'can’t even wrap my head around how someone could do this, let alone to such a beautiful person

Welsh was a star athlete for her college, having won a national title on the vault in 2023.

Her college team coach said in a statement: 'A phenom on the vault, Welsh holds four of the top eight scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in program history on the apparatus.

'In addition to her high-caliber gymnastics, Welsh was a dedicated and supportive teammate. Her big personality and passion for motivating those around her helped her teammates succeed.'

A GoFundMe has been set up for Welsh's grieving family, describing Welsh as a 'sweet' girl who had her life 'abruptly cut short... by a heartless act of violence.'

It reads: 'Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend and teammate. 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. 

'Kara 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 as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. 

A GoFundMe has been set up for Welsh's grieving family, describing Welsh as a 'sweet' girl who had her life 'abruptly cut short... by a heartless act of violence'

Police allege she knew the man accused of her murder, but the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear

The gymnast earned a national title in her last season on vault

'They will surely have so much to endure in the near future and we would like to help ease the financial burden during this period of grief, planning and travel that will surely be necessary.'

Welsh's former teammate Sierra Brooks said she 'can’t even wrap my head around how someone could do this, let alone to such a beautiful person.

'No number of pictures or videos can truly capture how much of a joy you were to be around. A person who is consistently kind and supportive, while always putting a smile on your face. What more could you ask for? 

'Thank you for all the years together, Kara. Wish there were plenty more.'

Welsh was a star athlete for her college, having won a national title on the vault in her junior year

The investigation is ongoing and police are urging the community to come forward with any relevant information

Friends have remembered Welsh for her constant smile, and being able to light up a room

Police said in a statement: 'Through investigation, it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.' 

The investigation is ongoing and police are urging the community to come forward with any relevant information.

Welsh was majoring in business and economics, University Chancellor Corey King said.

'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.'

A GoFundMe appeal said 'Kara was excited to be in her rising senior year as a gymnast at UW-Whitewater'