The University of Wisconsin–Platteville campus is enveloped in grief following the tragic deaths of two senior students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both 22 years old, in an incident that unfolded on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Wilgus Hall, a residence facility housing approximately 230 students. The news has left the close-knit community of roughly 5,800 students in southwestern Wisconsin reeling, as the university and local authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding what has been described as a targeted and isolated event. Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich, in a somber email sent to students and staff shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday, confirmed the identities of the students from Beloit and Baraboo, Wisconsin, respectively, and expressed profound sadness over the loss. The chancellor’s message underscored that the incident involved only the two individuals and posed no ongoing threat to the campus, though the lack of detailed information has left many students and families searching for answers.
The incident began just before 4 p.m. when a 911 call alerted the UW-Platteville Police Department to a situation at Wilgus Hall. Emergency responders swiftly enacted safety protocols, issuing a shelter-in-place order and establishing a perimeter around the residence hall. By just after 5 p.m., authorities determined there was no active threat, lifting the shelter-in-place directive. Law enforcement, led by UW-Platteville Police Chief Joe Hallman, has remained tight-lipped about specifics, citing the fluid nature of the ongoing investigation. Hallman emphasized the university’s priority on student safety and welfare, noting that outside resources have been brought in to ensure a thorough inquiry. While no one is in custody, reports indicate a hospital transport occurred, though privacy restrictions prevent further disclosure. The scarcity of details has fueled frustration among students, with some, like sophomore mechanical engineering major Kaleb Regoli, describing a press conference held Monday evening as uninformative, leaving the campus community to piece together fragmented accounts from peers.
Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms were both seniors who had recently celebrated significant milestones. Martin, a psychology major, graduated just two days before the incident, having served as a resident director at Wilgus Hall during the 2024 academic year. Described as a leader known for her kindness and dedication, she was a familiar and respected figure in the residence hall, where she responded to various emergencies, including mental health crises and policy violations. Helms, who earned an elementary education degree on Saturday, May 17, leaves behind a young son, adding a heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy. Social media posts from the campus community and beyond have expressed profound sorrow, with one individual noting Helms’ devotion to her child and the immense loss felt by her family.
The university has responded swiftly to support its grieving community. Final exams, originally scheduled through May 23, have been canceled on both the Platteville and Baraboo campuses, with grades to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students displaced from Wilgus Hall were offered temporary housing at Brockert Hall, and some sought refuge with friends off-campus. Counseling services have been expanded, with triage sessions available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and a 24/7 emotional support hotline staffed by licensed mental health professionals accessible at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004. The university’s Mantra Care Hub remains open around the clock for additional support. Governor Tony Evers, briefed on the situation, issued a statement urging Wisconsinites to keep the UW-Platteville community in their thoughts, while the Platteville School District expressed solidarity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the town and university.
The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about campus safety and institutional responsibility. Universities are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment, and this incident has prompted discussions about the adequacy of security measures and emergency response protocols. As the investigation continues, the university is expected to review its policies, potentially leading to enhanced safety measures. Memorial services and vigils are being planned to honor Martin and Helms, whose lives were tragically cut short. For now, the UW-Platteville community is united in mourning, seeking solace in shared support and the hope for clarity in the days ahead.
