News Summary
A tragic event at Wilgus Hall, Southwestern University, has led to the deaths of two students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. The incident has been labeled as targeted and isolated, prompting a shelter-in-place order for student safety. All finals have been canceled for the week, and counseling services are being offered to support the grieving community. Local authorities are investigating the incident while emphasizing the importance of emotional wellness for students during this difficult time.
Platteville, WI – Two students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Kelsie Martin, 22, and Hallie Helms, 22, have died following a tragic incident at Wilgus Hall on May 19th. The incident has been categorized as a “targeted and isolated” event, according to university officials. Families of the deceased students have been notified, and the campus community is mourning the loss.
The incident occurred just before 4 PM, prompting university officials to implement a shelter-in-place protocol to ensure the safety of students. This measure was lifted shortly after 5 PM once it was determined there was no ongoing threat to the campus community. The swift emergency response was initiated following a 911 call reporting the situation, and local law enforcement quickly arrived on the scene.
University police chief Joseph Hallman has withheld detailed information regarding the nature of the incident, indicating that the investigation is ongoing. While a hospital transport was acknowledged, there were no specifics provided about additional injuries or the potential involvement of other individuals.
In response to this tragic event, the university has canceled all final exams for the week. This decision affects students across the campus and highlights the seriousness of the situation. To support the grieving community, UW-Platteville is offering counseling services through Mantra’s Care Hub, with additional triage counseling available from May 20 to May 23, which can be accessed daily from 8 AM to 4 PM. Furthermore, a toll-free emotional support hotline has been established, operational overnight for students requiring assistance.
Governor Tony Evers has been briefed on the incident and has expressed his thoughts and support for the affected university community. In addition, the Platteville School District has conveyed its condolences and solidarity with those connected to the university.
Wilgus Hall, where the incident occurred, serves as a residence for 230 students and is one of the ten residence halls managed by the university. Following the incident, campus safety protocols were activated, advising students to steer clear of Wilgus Hall until further notice. Emergency personnel remain on-site as necessary to assist with the investigation and offer support to students during this challenging time.
This incident has raised alarm within the closely connected university community and the surrounding area, particularly as it coincides with the conclusion of the spring semester. The university administration is actively addressing the concerns of its students while cooperating with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation of the events that transpired.
As the university community begins to heal, the focus remains on providing emotional and psychological support for students and faculty impacted by this unfortunate occurrence. The administration is committed to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a secure environment as they navigate this sorrowful chapter together.
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Additional Resources
- KCRG
- Wikipedia: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- Channel 3000
- Google Search: UW Platteville
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wisconsin
- Fox6Now
- Google News: UW Platteville incident
- WISN 12 News
- Google Scholar: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- BNO News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Counseling
