Kelsie Martin, Hallie Helms Obituary, Death: A Tragic Incident at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville community is in shock following the tragic deaths of two female students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, in an “isolated” incident inside a campus residence hall on Monday.
The incident prompted authorities to briefly issue a shelter-in-place order as they investigated the situation. According to UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman, the university described the event as a “targeted and isolated” confrontation involving only the two students.
The Incident and Investigation
The incident occurred in Wilgus Hall, a dormitory on campus, where officers responded to a 911 call around 4 p.m. Upon arrival, the police found no ongoing threat but took precautionary measures by activating safety protocols and issuing a shelter-in-place order to protect residents and staff. Approximately an hour after the initial response, the shelter-in-place order was lifted once the police confirmed the incident was contained and isolated.
Support for the University Community
The university has taken steps to support the campus community, including canceling final exams for the remainder of the week and providing counseling services to students. Dr. Laura Reynolds, the university’s provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, emphasized the importance of giving students and faculty time to grieve and come together during this difficult period.
Response from Governor Tony Evers
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also issued a statement Monday evening expressing his condolences and support. He said he was in ongoing contact with the university and urged the community to keep those affected in their thoughts as more information comes to light.
Counseling Services and Support
To assist those struggling with the emotional toll of the incident, the university has made counseling services available. Students can access counseling from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line has been set up to offer assistance.
Conclusion
The university community is continuing to process the shock and sadness resulting from the tragic event, and officials have committed to providing updates as the investigation unfolds. The priority remains ensuring safety, offering support, and helping the community heal. The cancellation of exams and provision of mental health resources reflect the university’s commitment to care for its students and staff during this very difficult time [1].
