Parents are outraged and calling for action after two students tragically passed away at a college campus shortly after their graduation, as reported by The U.S. Sun.
The two students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both aged 22, were discovered deceased in their dormitory at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville on Monday, May 18, according to police reports.
Authorities responded to a 911 call made around 4 pm, prompting students to shelter in place for about an hour until it was confirmed there was no immediate threat.
Helms, an elementary education major, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a preliminary autopsy found.
She died at the scene, while Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director, died from her injuries after being airlifted to hospital, the university said.
Martin is believed to have been shot by Helms in a murder-suicide.
No further details as to a motive have been released by police who did not respond to a comment call by The U.S. Sun.
The university has now canceled all finals for the rest of the semester.
But parents are said to have been left furious about how the situation was handled by the university, which has its own police department.
One parent who has a daughter at the school told The U.S. Sun, “It was very frustrating and I had panicked calls, nobody knew what was happening.
“I feel we were left in the dark for too long not knowing whether or not there was an active threat.
“I hope they can learn from this situation and put better plans in place, although we hope nothing like this ever happens again, of course.”
Barbara Dittrich, who represents the 99th district in the Wisconsin State Assembly, also wrote on her Facebook page this week, “I have been holding off on commenting on the terrible situation at UW-Platteville this week because I didn’t want to get ahead of the news, but I can no longer wait.
“First and foremost, my heart and prayers go out to the families of Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms as well as all of the students, staff, and loved ones affected by this horrific tragedy.
“May God bring comfort and healing to all. No one expects something like this in their lives, especially not as summer break is in view.
“Second, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I am hearing from parents of UW-Platteville students, and they are not happy.
“The appropriate flow of information and the way this has been handled is unacceptable,” she added.
“It is very clear that protocols need to be seriously improved at this campus and perhaps all of the thirteen UW campuses across our state.
“I hope we can learn from this and see improvement for the well-being of all students, faculty, and families.”
“The appropriate flow of information and the way this has been handled is unacceptable.”
Barbara Dittrich, Member of Wisconsin State Assembly
The U.S. Sun made several attempts to contact the university but did not receive a response.
One former student and professor was seen being interviewed by local media wearing a bullet-proof vest near the campus the day after the tragedy.
“We’ve got a lot of people in Platteville who are scared. And I’m one of them,” he said.
“Two girls have been murdered here at UW-Platteville, and they’re not releasing any other information.
“They say the public is safe, but the public doesn’t feel safe.”
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
It was later revealed to be an apparent murder-suicide although full details are yet to be released.
The state Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating “the circumstances surrounding the death of the two individuals,” they said in a statement.
A GoFundMe has now been set up by Kelsie Martin’s family who say she lost her life in an “unfortunate incident.”
They wrote, “She was an incredible mind for the younger generation who was a Dean’s List student at the University of Platteville Wisconsin who just graduated with a degree in Psychology.
“She was an incredible role model for young women today, demonstrating what could be accomplished through having a dream and having the will to make that dream come true.”
One local parent, Sarah Taylor, also wrote on Facebook, “Sending love and prayers to UWP families, communities, & all involved in today’s incident.
“Because how do you tell a child you’ll always protect them when the world keeps showing us that sometimes, we can’t?
“I’m angry. I’m heartbroken. And I’m terrified.
“Being a mom in this world feels like constantly trying to put bubble wrap around your child while life keeps throwing darts.
“I don’t have the right words. Just prayers & a mama heart that’s grieving for those hurting in our community today, & for every child who’s ever had to learn how to be quiet in a closet during a drill.”
According to the Monroe Times, university chancellor Tammy Evetovich said during a news conference, “Our biggest concern at this point first and foremost is the safety and wellbeing of our students.
“What we have to focus on are those students that are impacted and support them in ways that only the people on this campus can do.
“One of the strengths of UW–Platteville is we are small enough to support you personally, so that I ask you all to take advantage of that.”
Officials are asking for anyone with information on this incident to contact the UW-Platteville Police Department at 608-342-1584.
