Flags were seen at half-staff on Tuesday at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as a somber tribute to senior gymnast Kara Welsh. The 21-year-old national champion and two-time All-American was tragically shot and killed in her apartment on Friday evening.

According to the Whitewater Police Department, Welsh was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Chad T. Richards, a 23-year-old from Loves Park, Illinois, who was also present in the apartment, has been taken into custody by the authorities.

Coach Jen Regan shared a heartfelt statement on the UW-Whitewater athletics website, expressing the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community. Regan described Welsh as a powerful athlete, a dedicated teammate, and a beacon of light during tough times. She emphasized that Kara's legacy will forever endure through Warhawk gymnastics.

Investigations have revealed that Welsh and Richards were acquainted, and an altercation occurred between the two individuals. The authorities have not disclosed the nature of their relationship.

The Whitewater Police Department has forwarded charges of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed, to the Walworth County District Attorney's Office. Richards is scheduled to make a court appearance on Tuesday.

In the realm of gymnastics, Welsh was renowned for her exceptional skills on the vault. The school athletics website highlighted that she holds four of the top eight scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in the program's history.

The UW-Whitewater athletics department initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the Welsh family, which has garnered over $34,000 in donations as of Tuesday morning. The community continues to rally together to honor Kara's memory and provide comfort to her loved ones during this difficult time.

The loss of Kara Welsh has cast a shadow over the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, as the campus community mourns the tragic end of a talented athlete who played an integral role in the Warhawk gymnastics team. The profound impact that Welsh had on her teammates and coaches will always be remembered, ensuring that her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched.