Tragedy Strikes UW-Platteville: Two Students Dead in Residence Hall Incident

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is grappling with the devastating loss of two students after a tragic incident at the Wilgus Hall residence hall on Monday, May 19, 2025. The fatal event, which has left the entire campus community shaken, occurred amidst the final week of the spring semester when students were preparing for their final exams. The situation led to a temporary shelter-in-place order and an emergency response by law enforcement, and it has raised questions about safety protocols and campus security.

A Day of Horror

At approximately 4:00 PM, a frantic 911 call alerted local law enforcement and emergency responders to an unfolding emergency inside the residence hall. The details of the call were unclear, but the urgency was undeniable. Law enforcement officers, along with emergency medical teams, rushed to the scene, quickly establishing a perimeter around Wilgus Hall, one of the university's larger dormitories. The residence hall was immediately locked down, and a campus-wide shelter-in-place order was issued, advising students, staff, and faculty to stay inside their buildings and avoid the vicinity.

This alarming development came just days before finals were scheduled to take place, throwing students and faculty into confusion and fear. It was not until several hours later that the university, in a press release, confirmed the tragic loss of two students. The two victims, identified as Kelsie Martin, 22, from Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, from Baraboo, Wisconsin, were both residents of the hall. The university released a statement expressing condolences to their families and friends, describing the event as an isolated and targeted incident between the two individuals.

By 5:03 PM, authorities determined that the immediate danger had passed, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted. However, the emotional toll of the tragedy was far from over. The campus was left in a state of shock, with many students finding themselves reeling from the unexpected and devastating news.

The Investigation Unfolds

In the hours following the incident, the UW-Platteville Police Department, supported by local law enforcement agencies, began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Initial reports indicated that the situation appeared to be a personal altercation between the two students. While details regarding the nature of the confrontation remained scarce, authorities made it clear that they were working tirelessly to uncover the full truth of what transpired inside Wilgus Hall.

University officials have been cautious about releasing further details, citing the ongoing investigation. Chief Joe Hallman of the UW-Platteville Police Department addressed the public during a press conference, assuring the campus community that there was no ongoing threat and that the situation was isolated. He urged those with information related to the incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts to piece together the events of the day.

At the time of the press release, it was unclear whether the deaths were the result of an assault, a confrontation, or another cause. The university confirmed that both victims were found inside the residence hall, and the authorities quickly began gathering evidence. The university community anxiously awaited further updates as investigators continued to comb through the building and interview witnesses. At this stage, no other individuals were identified as suspects or persons of interest.

As UW-Platteville authorities and local police worked to gather information, the university promised to keep the community informed. The lack of concrete details only added to the growing sense of uncertainty and concern. Students, parents, and faculty members alike were left with more questions than answers, and the campus became a site of reflection and mourning in the wake of the tragedy.

A Campus in Mourning

The tragic incident has left a deep scar on the campus community. UW-Platteville, a public university located in southwestern Wisconsin, is home to approximately 7,000 students. It has long been known for its focus on student success, academic achievement, and community involvement. The loss of two students in such a violent and sudden manner has shaken the foundation of the campus, affecting all who call it home.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the university took swift action to ensure the well-being of its students. All remaining final exams were canceled for the week, allowing students the time and space to process the events and cope with the emotional weight of the situation. Provost Dr. Laura Reynolds announced that faculty members had been informed of the decision and were encouraged to provide students with the necessary accommodations during this difficult time.

"We understand that many students were looking forward to their finals," Dr. Reynolds said during a university-wide address. "However, in light of today’s tragedy, we feel it is paramount that we focus on the emotional and mental health of our community. Please know that your well-being comes first, and we are committed to helping you navigate through this challenging moment."

In addition to canceling exams, the university made arrangements to provide immediate support to affected students. University Counseling Services opened its doors for triage counseling, offering individual sessions for those who sought emotional support. Counselors were available throughout the week to provide guidance and support for students struggling to cope with the incident. The counseling center emphasized the importance of seeking help during times of trauma, and additional emotional support resources were made available to students in the form of an anonymous support line.

Chancellor Tammy Evetovich addressed the campus community, expressing her heartfelt condolences to the families of the two victims. "Our hearts are with the families and friends of Kelsie and Hallie," she said. "No one should ever have to experience such a tragedy, and we are here to support them in any way we can."

Chancellor Evetovich also reassured the university community that the administration was doing everything possible to ensure the safety and security of students on campus. She acknowledged the heightened concerns that many students were feeling, given the nature of the incident, and promised that the university would be reviewing its safety protocols to prevent such an event from occurring in the future.

Campus Security and Future Measures

The incident has raised important questions about campus safety and security. UW-Platteville has long been regarded as a safe university, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other institutions. However, the tragedy has underscored the need for continued vigilance and the implementation of enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of students living on campus.

In response to the incident, the university is considering several measures to improve safety, including increased security patrols in residence halls, the installation of additional security cameras, and improved communication systems to alert students to potential threats. The university’s Office of Public Safety has promised to engage with students, faculty, and staff to gather feedback on how to best improve the campus environment moving forward.

"This tragedy is a wake-up call for all of us," said Chief Hallman. "While we have systems in place to protect our students, there is always room for improvement. We will do everything in our power to ensure that UW-Platteville remains a safe space for learning and growth."

The Road to Healing

As the investigation continues and the campus community begins to process the loss of two young lives, the university is committed to supporting its students through this difficult time. The healing process will take time, but with the help of counseling services, peer support networks, and the dedication of the university community, students will begin to rebuild their sense of safety and normalcy.

For now, the focus remains on honoring the lives of Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, two students whose futures were tragically cut short. As UW-Platteville mourns this unimaginable loss, it stands united in the face of adversity, determined to support one another and work together to navigate through the aftermath of the incident.

The coming days will likely bring more clarity as the investigation continues, but for now, the UW-Platteville community is focused on healing, supporting each other, and remembering the lives of those lost too soon. The university has vowed to continue providing support and resources as the community processes the tragic events of May 19, 2025.

The incident has reminded all of us of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that the truth will be uncovered and that the university can continue its mission of fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

In the end, it is the strength of the community — the students, faculty, staff, and families — that will carry UW-Platteville forward as it begins the long and difficult process of healing from this tragedy.