A shocking and tragic event has left the University of Wisconsin-Platteville community grieving deeply. UW-Platteville students dead after a suspected murder-suicide inside Wilgus Hall has stunned students, faculty, and local authorities alike.
University police received a call reporting a disturbance inside the residence hall. Officers responded immediately and entered the building. Inside one of the rooms, they found two students with gunshot wounds. Emergency responders provided immediate aid and transported one of the students, Kelsie Martin, to a nearby hospital. Medical teams then airlifted her to another facility for further treatment. Despite their best efforts, she died shortly after arrival.
Martin, 22, studied psychology and worked as an Assistant Resident Director in Wilgus Hall. She came from Beloit and had been involved in student life on campus. The other student, Hallie Helms, also 22, died at the scene. Helms lived in Wilgus Hall and pursued a degree in elementary education. She was from Baraboo and had also recently completed her studies.
According to investigators, Helms shot Martin and then turned the gun on herself. Law enforcement confirmed that the shooting appeared to be a targeted and isolated act. Officials also stated that they do not suspect any other individuals were involved. Early evidence from the ongoing investigation supports the murder-suicide conclusion.
Just days before the tragedy, both students walked across the graduation stage. Their sudden loss shocked the entire university. In response, school officials canceled all final exams scheduled for the remainder of the week. Campus counseling centers extended their hours to provide support for grieving students and staff.
The university released a public statement thanking those who had offered kind words and support. Leaders praised the strength of the community and encouraged everyone to lean on one another during this heartbreaking time. They emphasized that healing takes time but remains possible when people come together.
This devastating event has left emotional wounds across the campus. With UW-Platteville students dead, the university now shifts its focus to helping students and faculty cope with the aftermath. Memorials and support networks have already started forming as the campus community begins the process of healing.
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