Tragedy at UW-Platteville — Two Students Killed in Targeted Campus Shooting
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville community is reeling after confirmation that the “emergency situation” reported on campus yesterday was, in fact, a fatal shooting — one that took the lives of two beloved students and shattered the sense of safety within this close-knit university town.
Late last night, a somber email was sent to students, faculty, and staff, confirming what many feared but hoped wasn’t true: 22-year-old Kelsie Martin and 22-year-old Hallie Helms were killed during the incident at Wilgus Hall, a campus residence hall.
While law enforcement officials have not yet released full details, what is known so far paints a heartbreaking picture. The shooting was targeted, according to police — not a random act of violence, but one with a specific, though still publicly unknown, motive.
The tragedy unfolded quietly but swiftly, throwing the entire campus into lockdown as police and emergency responders rushed to the scene. Confusion and fear spread quickly through social media and messaging apps, with students unsure of what was happening or if they were safe. It wasn’t until much later that the community received formal confirmation of the violence — and the devastating losses.
Kelsie Martin, one of the victims, was reportedly serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) at Wilgus Hall, where the shooting took place. Described by friends and peers as compassionate, responsible, and deeply caring, Kelsie was known for going out of her way to support fellow students and make Wilgus feel like home. Hallie Helms, the second victim, was a bright and friendly student who was active in student life and known for her infectious smile.
Both were seniors — their futures full of potential, now tragically taken.
The email sent by university officials to the campus community offered little detail but asked for patience as the investigation continues. It also offered counseling resources and encouraged students to lean on one another during this painful time.
“We are devastated by this loss,” the message read. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone affected by this tragedy. UW-Platteville is a family, and we will support each other through this heartbreak.”
The Platteville Police Department and campus security continue to investigate the incident, working to uncover more information about the shooter, their relationship to the victims, and the events that led to this tragic moment. No additional threats to the campus have been reported, and authorities have reassured the public that there is no ongoing danger.
Still, the emotional toll is deep. UW-Platteville is a small and tight-knit campus, where students often describe their peers and professors as more of a family than a community. That closeness is now manifesting in grief — candlelight vigils are already being planned, and students have begun leaving flowers and notes outside Wilgus Hall.
On social media, alumni and students alike are expressing disbelief and sorrow, sharing photos, stories, and memories of Kelsie and Hallie. Many are calling for greater transparency about campus safety and offering prayers for the victims’ families.
“This is heartbreaking beyond words. Kelsie was my RA freshman year — she was so kind and thoughtful. I just can’t believe she’s gone,” wrote one student on Instagram.
As the investigation unfolds and more details come to light, the focus for now remains on healing, remembering, and supporting one another. The tragedy at UW-Platteville is more than a headline — it is a piercing loss felt in dorm rooms, classrooms, and dining halls across campus.
Keep Platteville in your thoughts today. Two lives full of promise are gone far too soon. May Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms be remembered not just for how they died, but for how they lived — with heart, with hope, and with impact.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Platteville Police or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.