Family of Wisconsin gymnast Kara Welsh break their silence on her shooting death

The family of a murdered University of Wisconsin gymnast has broken their silence over her killing. 

Kara Welsh's relatives paid tribute to the 'sweet' 21-year-old, praising her, 'unique ability to bring joy to any person she crossed paths with'.

Welsh, from Plainfield, Illinois, was found dead at an off-campus apartment with multiple gunshot wounds just before midnight on August 30.

'We're all still trying to wrap our heads around this,' Welsh's cousin, Shane Welsh, said.

'There's so many emotions we're all feeling by everyone that's family, friends, classmates, coaches. We're all so broken by this.' 

The family of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old  murder victim, has spoken out about their tragic loss

Police have arrested and charged a 23-year-old man in connection with her murder but they are yet to name him publicly. 

It's unclear why they are remaining so tight-lipped.  

They allege she knew her killer, but have not released his identity or described the nature of their relationship yet.

In a GoFundMe, Welsh's family described how the star athlete was, 'always putting a smile on people's faces with her sense of humor, unwavering support and sweet disposition'.

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

Welsh's 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.'

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)

Her former club Aspire Gymnastics described her as an 'integral' part of the club.

'She was a constant in a sport that is filled with ups and downs,' the gym said in a statement.

'She was full of life and full of personality. Kara had a way of communicating through facial expressions that was second to none.'

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.'

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.

Her 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

She was described as a beloved sister, daughter, teammate and friend who brought joy to all she crossed paths with

'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.'

Police said in a statement that the Whitewater shooting occurred following an 'altercation' between Welsh and her killer.

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