An ordinary Monday on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus turned tragic for two graduating seniors, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms.
According to Daily Mail Online, the two young women were found dead in Wilgus Hall, a university dormitory, in what police described as a “targeted and isolated event.” The incident, which occurred just days after the university’s commencement ceremonies, has left the entire campus community reeling and searching for answers.
Police have released few details, but local media, citing unnamed sources, reported that a shooting occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday. University officials immediately instituted a campus-wide lockdown, which was lifted approximately an hour later after law enforcement determined there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.
The victims, both 22, had recently graduated—Helms with a degree in elementary education and Martin in psychology. University Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich shared their names late Monday night, emphasizing that the incident involved only the two women. “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin,” Evetovich stated.
Martin served as the assistant resident director of Wilgus Hall, where the incident occurred. She was known for her dedication to campus life and her passion for supporting fellow students. According to a university post, Martin had worked in residence life for three years and was motivated by her own positive experiences as a freshman.
Police Chief Joe Hallman addressed the media but explained that the investigation was still in its early stages. “I have to point out that this is an ongoing, active law enforcement investigation, and I really don’t have a lot of specific details at this time as it’s still very fluid,” Hallman said. He declined to speculate on a motive or confirm the nature of the relationship between the two women.
Students and staff at the university, which enrolls about 6,500 people, were shocked by the sudden lockdown and the subsequent news. Many expressed frustration at the lack of information from authorities, with rumors quickly spreading across campus and online forums.
Sophomore Kirra Kamp described her reaction:
I was kind of terrified for a second, honestly. It's kind of something you hear happens but nothing that you actually think is gonna happen to you in your school until it happens. It's insane to see stuff like this happen.
University officials responded by canceling the remaining final exams for both the Platteville and Baraboo campuses, citing the need for students and faculty to grieve and prioritize their mental health. Provost Laura Reynolds acknowledged the toll the tragedy has taken, noting that both students and staff require time to process and support one another.
As news spread, friends, classmates, and faculty members began to share memories of Martin and Helms. Martin, who once joked about owning over 400 books and aspiring to have her own library, was remembered as warm and helpful. Helms, known for her commitment to education, had just celebrated her graduation with family and classmates two days earlier.
University counseling services were made available, and several informal gatherings were held to allow students to mourn together.
Chancellor Evetovich reiterated the university’s commitment to support:
We are deeply saddened, and know this event has negative impact on our Pioneers, and we know students will want to be able to focus on their own well-being and spend time with friends and families.
However, frustration mounted among students who felt updates from police and university leaders were insufficient. Junior Andrew Roubinek, echoing the concerns of many, said he sought concrete information but left disappointed, stating, “There are a lot of open-ended questions with a lot of things... I came here to hopefully get some actual, don’t want to say closure, but some actual news about it, which ended up being quite uneventful tonight.”
On Monday, May 19, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms died in Wilgus Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in what police described as a targeted and isolated event. Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the investigation continues as students, faculty, and families demand clarity and closure.
The campus community, still in shock, has come together to mourn the loss of two promising graduates, support each other, and await further details from law enforcement. As the story develops, many are left grappling with grief, confusion, and a need for answers about the circumstances that led to this devastating incident.
