A talented young gymnast’s life was cut tragically short in an unexpected act of violence. Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old senior student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was shot to death on August 30, 2024, inside her off-campus apartment.
Welsh was an outstanding athlete, three-time All-American gymnast and indeed a 2023 NCGA Division III National Vault Champion. She was also dedicated to academics, studying management.
JUST IN: 23-year-old Chad T. Richard is accused of m*rdering award-winning gymnast Kara Welsh just a block away from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Whitewater Police Department says Richard shot Welsh multiple times at an apartment.
“Through investigation, it was… PIC.TWITTER.COM/1RY6F9O9RA
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
Authorities confirm there had allegedly been a dispute between Welsh and Richards prior to the altercation that led to the shooting. While police seemed puzzled as to what relationship, if any was between the victim and the suspect, it is definite that the encounter ended in the loss of life. Richards was born in Loves Park, Illinois, a former wrestler at UW-Whitewater, competing regionally while at the university.
For that very apartment, the responding police brought Richards into custody. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, along with endangering safety by using a dangerous weapon and armed disorderly conduct. Richards is scheduled to appear before the courts on September 3, 2024, where his bail will be set at $1 million. A preliminary hearing against him has been scheduled for September 6, 2024, within the initial stages of the court processes.
Mainly, Welsh’s death has sent ripples deep inside the UW-Whitewater community. The university provides counseling services for students and staff who have been impacted by the tragedy. The university also has flags on campus low-flowing at half staff in honor of Welsh. When a person so vibrant and talented leaves a hole this big, well, that hole isn’t going away for many years to come.
As this investigation winds its painful way through the legal process, this community remains in shock and grief, trying to make sense of such a senseless act of violence that has taken the life of one of their own. Welsh will be remembered for her legacy as both an athlete and as a student, though those who knew her struggle to conceptualize the tragedy of her untimely death.
