This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Two female students have died in a suspected murder-suicide at a residence hall at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
A university spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both aged 22, were discovered with gunshot injuries at Wilgus Hall, a dormitory for students. Authorities suspect this was a murder-suicide incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. local time on Monday, May 19.
Helms, majoring in elementary education, was declared dead at the location. Martin, who was studying psychology and served as an assistant resident director, was taken to Southwest Health before being airlifted to UW Hospital, where she passed away.
A preliminary autopsy found that Martin was determined to have died by gunshot wound, and Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the school said, noting that “all indications at this time from the preliminary autopsy suggest a murder-suicide.”
Students wait to be escorted to their dorms to gather their belongings from Wilgus Hall following an emergency incident at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on May 19, 2025. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
The university said in a Facebook message on Tuesday, “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 added.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers wrote on Facebook, “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.”
The UW-Platteville Police Department declined to comment on the incident, referring Fox News Digital to the university’s statement.
