Star college gymnast, 21, shot dead in off campus home, 23-year-old boyfriend arrested

Loved ones are completely shattered by the “heartbreaking” death of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old star gymnast, who was shot to death by a man identified by college friends as her boyfriend.

The national champion was found dead in her off-campus apartment on August 30, and a friend of the couple says he “beats” himself up for not sharing “just one more” moment that maybe “could change” what happened.

Keep reading to learn about Welsh’s tragic death.

On Saturday August 31, Sierra Brooks learned Kara Welsh, her best friend and former teammate, was shot to death the night before.

“I can’t even wrap my head around how someone could do this, let alone to such a beautiful person,” she writes in a tribute to the 21-year-old Welsh, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) student who was majoring in business and economics.

Welsh, a gymnast, also won an individual title on the vault in 2023.

According to a statement, the student, from Plainfield, Illinois, was found dead in an off-campus apartment about 11:54 p.m. on August 30.

She was shot multiple times.

When police arrived, a 23-year-old male who was known to Welsh was also in the home and “it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.”

‘Heartbreaking’

“Absolutely heartbreaking to receive a phone call like this one. Kara, you deserved the world and more,” shares Brooks, who in her earlier years trained with Welsh at the Aspire Gymnastics Academy. “Wish I could just see you one more time. Wish I could laugh with you just one more time. Wish I could hug you one more time.”

Aspire also shared several photos of the star gymnast along with a touching tribute for the young woman on their Facebook site.

“As Kara grew, so did Aspire. She was a constant in a sport that is filled with ups and downs. She was full of life and full of personality,” the training center writes. “Kara had a way of communicating through facial expressions that was second to none. Aspire lost a piece of its heart today. Kara, we love you.”

Corey King, chancellor at UWW, released a statement on August 31 and calling Welsh “a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team,” he shares that “news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community.”

“I hate that evil touched this sweet girl’s life,” writes a friend on Facebook, who shares the tribute posted by Aspire. Referring to Welsh’s sister Kaeli, the netizen continues, “The Welsh girls showed us how to be gym sisters but so much more. Kara was all heart. The loss is unfathomable.”

‘I beat myself up’

Police have not yet released the name of the suspect as he has not yet been officially charged.

But friends reveal the pair were dating, and the man, identified as Chad Richards, was helping Welsh move into her apartment.

“Sometimes I beat myself up, if I was able to see them that day maybe…just one more joke one more memory we could make…could change…” says Brayten Wilkerson, a friend of both Welsh and the suspect, who was a member of UWW wrestling team. Speaking with ABC affiliate WISN, Wilkerson continues, “Kara was a sweetheart. She was one of the best people you could meet. Her family did a great job raising her – a wonderful woman.”

Katy Perry Stuns in a Completely See-Through Dress and Shocks Fans, «Trying Too Hard»

At the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Katy Perry made a head-turning entrance. The famous singer opted for a risqué sheer dress, making it one of the boldest looks we’ve seen in a while!

Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News

Katy’s choice of outfit was a striking combination of a black bra top and matching underwear, overlaid with a fishnet-style dress. The dress was adorned with eye-catching red ribbons laced along the sides. Her fashion-forward ensemble was completed with large sunglasses.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News, Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News

Perry, gracing the event to present the prestigious Song of the Year award, paired the sleek ensemble of black innerwear with striking thigh-high leather boots with high heels. The judge from American Idol let her hair flow in soft waves. Opting for a subtle yet classy look, she went for a muted, matte lipstick. Her eyes were highlighted with dark, smoky makeup, courtesy of her makeup artist.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News

While most fans praised Katy’s look, some shared their different opinions. «Trying way too hard…» commented a person. «Looks like a swimsuit & coverup», added another.

Katy is all about bold looks this year, and we are here for it. Her last red carpet appearance caused quite a stir on the internet.

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