College gymnast shot dead in off-campus attack in Wisconsin

A college gymnast was shot and killed in an off-campus apartment.

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man and charged him with first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the incident, which occurred Friday evening near the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

Kara Welsh, the 21-year-old victim, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in her apartment near campus shortly before midnight.

Police claim she knew the man accused of her murder, but the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.

Welsh was a star athlete at her college and had won a national title on vault in her penultimate year.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Welsh's grieving family, describing Welsh as a “sweet” girl whose life was “abruptly ended by a heartless act of violence.”

It states: “Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend and teammate. Kara had the unique ability to bring joy to everyone she met and always put a smile on people's faces with her sense of humor, unwavering support and kind nature.

“Kara was looking forward to her senior year as a gymnast at UW-Whitewater, which was abruptly ended by a heartless act of violence on August 30.

“We are deeply heartbroken for our beloved Welsh family as they go through this incredibly difficult time.”

“They will certainly be going through so much in the near future and we would like to help ease the financial burden during this time of grief, planning and certainly necessary travel.”

A police statement said: “Investigations revealed that there had been an altercation between the two prior to the shooting.”

The investigation is ongoing and the police are urging the public to pass on any relevant information.

Welsh was a star athlete at her college and won a national title on vault in her penultimate year