Aside from reports about the demise of two female college students, the family of one of the deceased has started a GoFundMe, and the loved ones of the other victim have penned a heartfelt online obituary.

Authorities confirmed a devastating scene that unfolded on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s (UW-Platteville) Wilgus Hall, where two 22-year-old women lost their lives following a harrowing shooting. According to campus police, officers responded promptly to a reported disturbance at the dormitory.

Upon arrival, they discovered both Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms critically wounded by gunfire. Martin was transported to Southwest Health before being airlifted to UW Hospital via Med-Flight. Despite medical efforts, she was later pronounced dead. A preliminary autopsy revealed that she succumbed to a gunshot wound.

Helms, also found at the scene, was determined to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leaving investigators to believe no other individuals were involved in the incident.

During a press conference held later that evening, UW-Platteville Police Chief Hallman emphasized that the threat was quickly contained. Though a shelter-in-place alert was issued in the immediate aftermath, it was lifted just after 5 p.m. when law enforcement confirmed the event was an isolated occurrence.

As the campus grapples with the emotional fallout, the university has canceled all final exams and assessments through the remainder of the week. The institution also instructed those who may have questions to either reach out to college deans or faculty members.

To assist in the grieving process, UW-Platteville has expanded access to mental health resources such as Mantra’s Care Hub. Triage counseling services have been arranged for students in need, and emotional support lines — staffed by licensed professionals — remained open overnight from Monday to Tuesday.

Since this initial report concerning the tragedy, new details have begun to emerge, shedding further light on the incident that has rocked the UW-Platteville community.

According to a university update shared Tuesday evening, the incident that claimed the lives of the two students was dubbed both “targeted” and “isolated,” reaffirming that no other individuals were involved. The fatal encounter unfolded around 4 p.m.

Martin, who served as the Assistant Resident Director of Wilgus Hall, was not only a campus leader but also a dedicated psychology major from Beloit, Wisconsin. Helms, the other student involved, hailed from Baraboo and was pursuing a degree in elementary education.

University officials, including Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Laura Reynolds, emphasized the importance of allowing the campus time to process the grief.

In a poignant statement shared online, school leaders urged students to lean on each other during this “difficult time,” reiterating that the university’s close-knit culture would be its strongest source of solace.

“We are deeply saddened to know this event has negative [sic] impact on our pioneers,” Reynolds said. “We know students will want to focus on their own well-being and spend time with friends and family.”

Visuals from the scene, captured shortly after the tragedy, reflected the gravity of the situation — crime scene tape cordoned off the building as squad cars lined the residence hall parking lot. Support services, university leaders affirmed, are set to continue into the summer to ensure students will not face this moment of sorrow alone.

As the investigation proceeds, new, unofficial, and exclusive details shared by radio host Dan O’Donnell on his show have brought a troubling layer of complexity to the tragedy. According to O’Donnell, Helms may have been in the midst of a severe mental or emotional crisis in the moments leading up to the shooting.

Described as “sobbing” and “inconsolable,” Helms was reportedly exhibiting behavior consistent with acute psychological distress, potentially even suicidal ideation

In response to the unfolding situation, Martin was allegedly called to Helms’s room in an attempt to help calm her. As a psychology major with a focus on human services and the Assistant Resident Director of Wilgus Hall, Martin may have been viewed as a comforting, capable presence

However, as O’Donnell pointed out, she was not a trained crisis intervention specialist, nor could she have anticipated the danger she was walking into. Unbeknownst to anyone involved, Helms had reportedly gained access to a firearm.

O’Donnell emphasized that there was no way Martin could have known that Helms was armed or capable of turning a weapon on herself or anyone else. The revelation has stirred unease among some members of the campus community.

Several concerned parents reportedly contacted O’Donnell to express their dismay that a student, not law enforcement or a mental health professional, was sent to handle what appears to have been an escalating mental health emergency.

Refraining from placing blame on the university, O’Donnell expressed, “I’m not necessarily sure whether this is something that can be pinned on UW-Plattville.” In the aftermath of Martin’s untimely passing, her family has created an online memorial to honor her life and legacy.

The tribute wall has quickly filled with heartfelt condolences and shared memories from friends, loved ones, and community members — a testament to just how many lives Martin touched. Many have lit virtual candles and offered prayers, reflecting a collective grief and admiration for the young woman remembered as compassionate, driven, and endlessly kind.

Martin’s obituary offers a glimpse into a life marked by purpose and achievement. A Beloit native and Summa Cum Laude graduate of UW-Platteville, Martin excelled academically and led with heart — serving as President of the Psychology Club. Her aspirations extended beyond graduation, with plans to begin a Master’s program in Social Work that fall.

Referred to as “a true ray of sunshine” by her loved ones, Martin embraced life fully, whether through volunteering, hiking, or simply sharing joy with those around her. She is survived by many loved ones, including her mother and brothers. A Visitation of Remembrance will be held on Friday, May 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Martin’s family has also launched a GoFundMe to help honor her memory and support related expenses. Describing her as a brilliant student and inspiring role model, the fundraiser highlights both her academic excellence and her deep impact as a daughter, sister, and friend. The campaign has resonated widely, surpassing its $12,000 goal with over $14,800 raised so far.

Helms’s family also shared a touching online obituary honoring the 22-year-old’s life. They described her as a gifted artist and avid gamer with a love for games like “Minecraft” and “Legend of Zelda.” As a proud graduate of Baraboo High School, Helms had just earned her degree in Elementary Education from UW-Platteville

She is survived by her parents and her sisters, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 27, at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home, with burial to follow in North Freedom.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to both Martin’s and Helms’s families, all their loved ones, friends, fellow students, educators, and communities as they mourn such significant losses. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Martin and Helms.