Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students died on May 19, 2025, in what authorities described as a targeted and isolated shooting incident at Wilgus Hall, an on-campus residence facility that houses approximately 230 students.
Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, were the only individuals involved in the incident that occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon. Martin served as an assistant resident director at Wilgus Hall and was pursuing a psychology major, while Helms was a resident of the same dormitory studying elementary education.
Emergency responders found both students with gunshot wounds inside the residence hall. Martin was initially transported to Southwest Health before being airlifted via Med-Flight to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. According to preliminary autopsy findings released by the UW-Platteville Police Department, Martin died from a gunshot wound.
Helms was pronounced dead at the scene from what preliminary autopsy results determined was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation revealed that no other people were suspected to have been involved in the murder-suicide.
UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman reported that authorities received a 911 call indicating a situation at Wilgus Hall just before 4:00 p.m. Campus police immediately activated safety protocols and issued a shelter-in-place order for the university community. The order was lifted just after 5:00 p.m. once investigators determined the incident was isolated and posed no ongoing threat to campus safety.
Eric Sperduto, a sophomore who lives in Wilgus Hall, witnessed the immediate aftermath of the incident. He observed two female students running from the building after 4:00 p.m. and saw law enforcement officers entering the facility. “It’s just really sad and just sad to think about the families that are affected by this,” Sperduto told NBC affiliate WMTV of Madison.
Both students had recently achieved significant academic milestones. Helms had received her education degree during commencement ceremonies on May 18, 2025, just one day before the incident. Martin was scheduled to graduate with a forensic science degree during the summer term. The timing of the incident, occurring so close to graduation, has added to the emotional impact on the campus community.
The university community responded with an outpouring of support following the incident. Chancellor Tammy Evetovich expressed deep sadness over the loss of both students and emphasized that the institution’s primary concern remained the well-being of the campus community. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also issued a statement indicating he had been briefed on the situation and would maintain close contact with university officials.
University administrators took immediate action to support affected students and faculty. Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Laura Reynolds announced the cancellation of all remaining final examinations for the week at both the UW-Platteville and UW-Baraboo campuses. Reynolds stated that the decision was made because the university is a close-knit community and canceling exams was in the best interest of students, faculty, and staff.
The university established multiple support resources for the campus community. University Counseling began offering triage counseling services from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line was activated at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004, staffed by mental health professionals and available overnight.
Students can also access support through Mantra’s Care Hub, which remains available at any time for those needing assistance. The university created a frequently asked questions page on its website to address community concerns and provide updated information as it becomes available.
Wilgus Hall, where the incident occurred, typically serves as home to the Women’s Wellness Interest Community and the Education Interest Community. The residence hall sponsors an annual Women’s Weekend and partners with McGregor Hall for programming throughout the academic year. Following the incident, university officials asked students to avoid the building while emergency responders remained on scene to provide assistance.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths continues under the direction of the UW-Platteville Police Department, with assistance from outside law enforcement agencies. Chief Hallman emphasized that authorities want to ensure they conduct a thorough investigation. The department has requested that anyone with information about the incident contact them at 608-342-1584.
The incident has raised questions about transparency in the investigation. Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, expressed concern about what he characterized as excessive secrecy surrounding the case. Lueders argued that the public has a right to know basic information about what occurred, particularly since it involves the actions of public officials.
Despite the significant impact on the campus community, university officials confirmed that the campus remains open for students who wish to access counseling services and other support resources. The focus has shifted to providing comprehensive care for students, faculty, and staff as they process the loss of two members of their academic community.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, located in Grant County, approximately 25 miles from Dubuque, Iowa, serves more than 6,000 students across its main campus and satellite locations. The institution spans over 821 acres and includes 20 academic and student services buildings, along with 13 residential facilities.
