While details of their relationship have not been made public, officials have confirmed that the incident was a “targeted and isolated event between the two individuals”, suggesting a personal dynamic rather than a random act of violence.

The Incident at Wilgus Hall

The tragedy unfolded Monday morning inside Wilgus Hall, a multi-story residence facility on the UW-Platteville campus. While the university and law enforcement have not released full details pending the completion of their investigation, what is known points to a murder-suicide scenario involving Martin and Helms. Initial reports indicate that the incident was contained entirely within the residence hall and did not involve other students or staff members.

Authorities arrived on the scene shortly after the incident was reported and immediately secured the area. Students residing in Wilgus Hall were evacuated or relocated temporarily as investigators combed the facility for evidence. The residence hall has since been reopened, though the affected area remains restricted as part of the ongoing investigation.

UW-Platteville Police, working in coordination with Platteville City Police and state authorities, have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety. However, they have not provided further information about the weapon used, the timeline of events, or whether either student had previously reported any safety concerns.

Emotional Impact and University Response

In the wake of the tragedy, the UW-Platteville administration has mobilized significant resources to help the campus community cope with the emotional fallout. Counseling Services will be offering triage counseling sessions from Tuesday through Friday, available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at no cost to students and staff. These sessions are designed to provide immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to longer-term mental health care as needed.

Additionally, the university has arranged for a 24/7 toll-free emotional support line staffed by licensed mental health professionals. The numbers—844-602-6680 and 720-272-0004—are available to all members of the university community and will have flexible hours that adjust according to campus needs.

“The wellbeing of our students and staff is our top priority right now,” said a university spokesperson. “We are doing everything in our power to make mental health resources easily accessible during this difficult time. The university community is grieving, and we want everyone to know they are not alone.”

Faculty have also been encouraged to exercise flexibility with attendance policies, assignment deadlines, and participation requirements in recognition of the collective trauma affecting the campus.

A Campus in Mourning

The university has invited students, faculty, staff, and community members to attend a candlelight vigil in memory of Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. The vigil is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. on the lawn outside Wilgus Hall. The event will include remarks by university leaders, an open mic for students to share their memories, and a moment of silence.

Social media has been flooded with messages of grief, solidarity, and remembrance. Friends of the two students have been sharing photos, stories, and messages of love using hashtags like #RememberKelsie and #HonorHallie. A growing memorial of flowers, cards, and candles has been established outside Wilgus Hall.

“I lived down the hall from Kelsie,” one student posted. “She always smiled at everyone. I didn’t know Hallie well, but this just breaks my heart. Two lives gone far too soon.”

Another student wrote, “I hope we can all hold our friends a little closer today. This kind of tragedy hits hard. We need to support each other.”

Ongoing Investigation and Privacy Considerations

At this time, law enforcement has confirmed only the broad outline of the incident as a murder-suicide. No motive has been publicly discussed, and authorities have stated that they are conducting interviews, reviewing digital communications, and awaiting forensic results before releasing any further details.

“We understand the desire for answers, and we are working diligently to uncover what happened and why,” said a Platteville Police Department spokesperson. “However, our priority is conducting a thorough and respectful investigation, and that takes time. We are also working closely with the families of the victims, and we ask the public and the media to respect their privacy during this unimaginable time.”

Officials have asked the public to avoid speculation or the sharing of unverified information, especially on social media platforms. The university reiterated this sentiment in a follow-up statement: “Out of respect for Kelsie and Hallie and their families, we urge our community to be patient, compassionate, and avoid rumor-mongering. This is a time for healing, not division.”

Moving Forward as a Community

The deaths of Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms mark a sorrowful chapter in the history of UW-Platteville. As the campus continues to mourn, university leaders are exploring additional ways to promote community wellness and ensure student safety, including reviewing residence hall policies, strengthening mental health programs, and increasing campus-wide education around conflict resolution and emotional wellbeing.

“This tragedy reminds us all of the fragility of life and the importance of community,” said Chancellor Evetovich. “We are deeply grieving, but we are not alone. Together, we will support one another, honor the memory of Kelsie and Hallie, and begin the journey toward healing.”

Students are encouraged to check the university website and social media platforms for ongoing updates about counseling services, memorial events, and investigation developments.

For now, the University of Wisconsin–Platteville community holds space in its heart for two young women whose lives, though tragically cut short, touched many and will not be forgotten.

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