Her partner has been named as the culprit by her friends.
On August 30, Kara, a national champion, was discovered dead in her off-campus apartment. A friend of the couple expressed his desire to have “just one more” moment with her in the hopes that it would have “changed” the outcome.
Sierra Brooks, a former teammate and best friend of Kara, was informed of the devastating news that Kara had been shot the previous evening on August 31.
Sierra stated in a tribute to Kara, “I can’t believe someone could do this, especially to such a beautiful person.” Kara was a student majoring in business and economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Kara took home a vaulting individual gymnastics title in 2023.
On August 30, at approximately 11:54 p.m., Kara Welsh, a Plainfield, Illinois student, was discovered deceased in her off-campus apartment. She’d taken multiple gunshot wounds.
Police discovered a 23-year-old male in the house who was acquainted with Kara. It was discovered that the two had argued before to the shooting incident.
Kara’s friend Sierra Brooks, who trained with her at Aspire Gymnastics Academy, described her loss as “heartbreaking.” It is quite devastating to receive a call of this nature. You deserved so much more, Kara. I long to see, laugh, and give you a hug once more.
On their Facebook page, Aspire Gymnastics Academy shared multiple images of Kara along with a heartfelt message.
“Aspire grew along with Kara. She was a constant in a field that had highs and lows. She exuded charm and life,” the center wrote. Her reactions on her face spoke a lot. Today, Aspire lost a little piece of its soul. We adore you, Kara.
In a statement issued on August 31, Corey King, the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW), referred to Kara Welsh as “a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team.” “The news of Kara’s passing is devastating for our close-knit university community,” he continued.
A friend shared a tribute from Aspire Gymnastics Academy on Facebook in addition to expressing condolences. They wrote, “I hate that evil touched this sweet girl’s life.” They went on, “The Welsh sisters showed us what it means to be gym sisters, but so much more,” mentioning Kara’s sister Kaeli. Kara had no heart. This loss is incomprehensible.
“I chastised myself,”
Since the suspect has not been formally charged, the police have not yet disclosed his name.
Friends, however, disclosed that Kara was seeing the man—known as Chad Richards—and that he was assisting her with moving into her apartment.
A friend of the suspect and Kara Welsh, Brayten Wilkerson, conveyed his sadness by stating, “There are moments when I beat myself up, thinking that if I had seen them that day, maybe… just one more joke, one more memory, could have changed things.” UWW wrestling team member Wilkerson said to ABC’s WISN, “Kara was a sweetheart.” Among the nicest individuals you could encounter was she. She was brought up by her family to be an amazing woman.
According to a GoFundMe organizer, family members are “deeply saddened” by Kara’s passing. “Kara had a unique ability to bring joy to everyone she met, always making people smile with her kind personality, supportive nature, and sense of humor,” they stated.
“Kara, 21, was looking forward to her final year at UW-Whitewater as a gymnast, but a senseless act of violence on August 30 tragically ended her life.”
The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office is to receive charges from the Whitewater Police Department for first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed.