Topics: News, US News, Mental Health
Warning: This article contains discussion of depression and suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Local authorities have concluded that an incident that saw two students shot was likely a murder-suicide at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
A spokesperson for the university confirmed to the media that two students were discovered with gunshot wounds at the student residency Wilgus Hall.
They were identified as Hallie Helms and Kelsie Martin, both aged 22.
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Authorities are still trying to work out the timeline of events, but they have stated they believe it occurred on Monday, May 19 at approximately 4 p.m. local time.
Helms was an elementary education major and was pronounced dead at the scene while Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director, was transported to Southwest Health and then flown to UW hospital, where she later died.
Preliminary autopsy found that Martin died from a gunshot wound, whereas Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The university added: “All indications at this time from the preliminary autopsy suggest a murder-suicide."
They also noted that no other individuals are currently believed to have been involved in the incident.
Helms graduated with a degree in elementary education, and Martin graduated with a degree in psychology on Saturday, May 17, according to the university's graduation program.
Following the incident, the University posted to its Facebook page saying: “Thank you to all who have reached out to us through messages and offered to support in so many meaningful ways. We are overwhelmed by your kindness. We are a close community, and this outpouring of care is a powerful reminder of who we are. We do not take it for granted. #PioneerStrong.”
They university has also canceled final exams for the rest of the week, and have emphasized that counselling is available to the campus community.
The Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also took to social media to make it clear he had been made aware of the situation.
In his own Facebook post, he wrote: "I've been briefed on the situation at UW-Platteville, and we will continue to remain in close contact with university officials. As we await more information, please keep UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, and the greater Platteville community in your thoughts."
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