UW-Platteville Tragedy: Community Mourns Loss of Two Students in Campus Shooting

On May 19, 2025, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville community was devastated by a tragic shooting at Wilgus Hall that claimed the lives of two 22-year-old students—Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms.

According to campus police, officers responded swiftly to reports of a disturbance and found both women critically injured. Martin was airlifted to UW Hospital but later succumbed to a gunshot wound. Helms died at the scene from a self-inflicted injury, and authorities confirmed that no third party was involved.

In the aftermath, the university canceled final exams and provided immediate mental health support through services like Mantra’s Care Hub. A shelter-in-place alert was lifted once police ensured the event was contained.

Martin, a beloved psychology major from Beloit and Assistant Resident Director, was remembered as a dedicated leader. Helms, an elementary education graduate from Baraboo, was described as creative and kind-hearted.

Martin’s family launched a GoFundMe, while Helms’s loved ones shared a moving obituary online. The UW-Platteville community continues to grieve these immense losses with unity and compassion.