A tragic incident occurred at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on May 19, 2025, where two female students were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide at the Wilgus Hall residence hall. The university has confirmed that the victims, identified as Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both aged 22, suffered gunshot wounds. The loss has shocked the campus community, leading the university to cancel final exams for the week and offer mental health support to students and faculty.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Incident Overview and Immediate Response |
| 2) Victim Backgrounds and Academic Achievements |
| 3) Community Impact and Institutional Response |
| 4) Official Statements and Next Steps |
| 5) Mental Health Resources and Support |
Incident Overview and Immediate Response
On the afternoon of May 19, 2025, at approximately 4 p.m. local time, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville police responded to reports of a “disturbance” at Wilgus Hall. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms with gunshot wounds. Initial investigations indicate that this tragic event may have been a murder-suicide. The authorities have confirmed that there are no additional suspects involved, and the situation appeared to be isolated to the two individuals.
Emergency responders pronounced Helms dead at the scene, while Martin was taken to Southwest Health and later flown to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. A preliminary autopsy report revealed that Martin died from a gunshot wound, and Helms from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leading authorities to believe that this incident was a tragic case of murder-suicide.
Victim Backgrounds and Academic Achievements
Both victims were local students with promising futures. Hallie Helms, an elementary education major who graduated magna cum laude, was known for her academic diligence and commitment to her field. She had transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the spring of 2023 after completing coursework at UW-Baraboo. Described as a dedicated student with a passion for teaching, her untimely death has left a deep sense of loss within her academic community.
On the other hand, Kelsie Martin had recently graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology just two days prior to the incident, on May 17, 2025. This achievement was notable as she served as an assistant resident director, reflecting her leadership and compassion within the university community. Friends and faculty remember her as a supportive figure, always willing to lend an ear or help fellow students cope with their challenges.
Community Impact and Institutional Response
The shock of this incident reverberated throughout the university and the town of Platteville. Classes were canceled for the week following the tragedy, and extensive counseling services were made available to students and faculty. The university administration issued a statement expressing their condolences and emphasized the importance of community support during such a difficult time. Counseling resources, including a toll-free emotional support line, have been put in place to assist those affected.
The administration also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community, noting that people have reached out with offers of help and sympathy. A message circulating on social media used the hashtag #PioneerStrong to emphasize the resilience and unity of the campus community in the face of adversity.
Official Statements and Next Steps
In the aftermath of the shooting, the university has been in close communication with law enforcement and mental health resources to ensure an effective response to the situation. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers posted on social media expressing his condolences and commitment to providing support through this tragic event. He urged the community to keep the students, faculty, and local residents in their thoughts.
As investigations continue, both campus and local law enforcement officials are gathering information to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident. The university has indicated that it will offer further updates as more information becomes available to the public, focusing on transparency while respecting the privacy of families involved.
Mental Health Resources and Support
In light of this tragic event, mental health resources are being prioritized at the university. The administration has collaborated with local mental health organizations to provide immediate counseling services to those affected. Multiple avenues for support have been established, including group sessions and one-on-one counseling tailored to the needs of students and faculty.
The emotional support line, operational 24/7, aims to ensure that students have access to necessary mental health resources whenever they need. In addition, informational sessions will be held to discuss coping strategies and the importance of mental health awareness. University officials have stressed that seeking help is vital, and they hope to foster a culture of openness regarding mental health challenges in the academic environment.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two female students were victims of a suspected murder-suicide at UW-Platteville. |
| 2 | Victims Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms were both 22 years old and had strong academic backgrounds. |
| 3 | Final exams were canceled, and mental health support was offered to the campus community. |
| 4 | Officials have confirmed that no additional suspects are believed to be involved. |
| 5 | Counseling services and emotional support hotlines are available for students and faculty. |
Summary
This devastating incident at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has not only claimed the lives of two promising young women but has also had a profound impact on the university community. As the administration rallies to support affected students and faculty, the tragic event highlights the urgent need for mental health resources and open dialogue about emotional well-being within educational institutions. Looking forward, the university’s focus on community resilience and healing will be vital for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What happened at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on May 19, 2025?
Two female students were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide at Wilgus Hall, leading to significant sadness and concern within the campus community.
Question: Who were the victims involved in this incident?
The victims were Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both 22 years old, who had strong academic records and were well-respected within the university community.
Question: What mental health resources are available for students following this tragedy?
The university has implemented a range of counseling services, including a 24/7 emotional support hotline, group therapy sessions, and individual counseling to support the students and faculty affected by the incident.
