(UW-Platteville)-On Monday, May 19, 2025, the University of Wisconsin–Platteville was shaken by the tragic deaths of two students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. The incident occurred in Wilgus Hall, a campus residence, and has been described by university officials as a targeted and isolated event involving only the two individuals. The loss has deeply impacted the university community as they come to terms with the heartbreaking news.
Incident Overview and Response
The tragedy unfolded in the late afternoon when a 911 call was placed reporting a situation inside Wilgus Hall at approximately 4:00 p.m. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and for safety reasons, the university implemented a shelter-in-place order for the campus. This precautionary measure was lifted just after 5:00 p.m. after authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the safety of students, staff, or faculty.
The UW-Platteville Police Department is working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time, officials have described the event as isolated and targeted, with no indication of broader risk to the campus community.
Remembering Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms
Both students were 22 years old and had recently graduated from UW-Platteville. Kelsie Martin, from Beloit, Wisconsin, was a psychology major and served as a resident advisor at Wilgus Hall. She was known among peers for her leadership and commitment to supporting fellow students. Hallie Helms, from Baraboo, Wisconsin, was pursuing a degree in elementary education and was similarly well-regarded by faculty and classmates.
Their passing has left a profound void in the university community, where they were recognized not only for their academic achievements but also for their contributions to campus life.
University Response and Support for Students
In the wake of the tragedy, UW-Platteville made the decision to cancel all final exams and assessments scheduled for the remainder of the week, prioritizing the mental and emotional wellbeing of its students. The university has mobilized counseling and support services to help students, faculty, and staff process the event and cope with the grief.
Mantra’s Care Hub is providing triage counseling from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and students can access emotional support through dedicated helpline numbers: 844-602-6680 and 720-727-0004. The university encourages anyone affected to reach out for help during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Healing
The investigation into the incident remains active, with the UW-Platteville Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Justice working diligently to uncover further details. Chancellor Tammy Evetovich expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that the wellbeing of the Pioneer community is her foremost concern.
She urged students and staff to take care of themselves and each other as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. As the campus mourns, support services continue to be available to ensure the community has access to the resources needed to heal and move forward together.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms has deeply affected the UW-Platteville community. While the investigation continues, the university’s priority remains the safety, healing, and support of its students and staff. In times like these, coming together as a community and accessing available resources is essential. UW-Platteville encourages everyone to look out for one another and to reach out for help whenever needed, honoring the memories of those lost by fostering compassion and care across campus.
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UW Platteville: 2 students dead in ‘isolated’ incident on campus – NBC Chicago