Whitewater, WI — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community is in mourning following the tragic death of 21-year-old Kara Welsh, a champion gymnast and promising student, who was shot and killed on August 30th. Authorities discovered her body inside the apartment of her boyfriend, 23-year-old Chad Richards, just before midnight. Welsh had sustained eight gunshot wounds to her neck, torso, and other areas, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Welsh, who was entering her senior year at UW-Whitewater, was found in a fetal position, lying in a pool of blood when authorities arrived at the scene. The Walworth County Medical Examiner’s report detailed the extent of her injuries, confirming the lethal nature of the attack.

Richards, a former UW-Whitewater wrestler, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in connection with Welsh’s death. He told investigators that the shooting was in self-defense, claiming that a heated argument between the two escalated when Welsh allegedly grabbed his gun from a nightstand. Richards said that during a struggle over the weapon, he wrested it away from Welsh and, fearing for his life, fired the fatal shots. Richards was the one who placed the 911 call to report the incident.

The case has shaken the UW-Whitewater community, where Welsh was a well-known and beloved figure. She was a member of the university’s gymnastics team and had achieved significant success in her sport. In 2023, Welsh won an individual vault national title at the NCAA Division III championships, a testament to her dedication and talent. Beyond her athletic achievements, she was also a dedicated student, majoring in management at the university’s College of Business and Economics.

“Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend, and teammate,” her family wrote on a fundraising page set up in her memory. “She 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.”

Richards, who was a member of the UW-Whitewater wrestling team during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, is facing additional charges, including endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held at the Walworth County Jail on a $1 million bond.

The incident has left many in the community grappling with the sudden loss of a young woman who had so much ahead of her. As the investigation continues, friends, family, and teammates remember Welsh for the joy and positivity she brought to those around her.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence.

Credit: FOX News