College gymnast shot dead in off-campus attack in Wisconsin

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

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

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.”

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

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

Welsh studied business and economics, said university chancellor Corey King.

“We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community.

“It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, process the incident and mourn.”