UW-Platteville Deaths: What We Know After Student Bodies Found on Campus
By Sophie Clark
Wisconsin police declared an emergency at University of Wisconsin (UW) Platteville after two students died in what is currently being called a "targeted and isolated" incident.
Students at UW-Platteville were put under a shelter-in-place order between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on May 19, and told to avoid the residential building Wilgus Hall.
Details are still sparse around the incident, but police revealed that the deceased students have been named as Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. Both students were 22 years old.
A spokesperson for the Platteville police department told Newsweek that they have no further information at this time.
flashing lights
Shown are the lights of a police vehicle in Philadelphia, Thursday, June 24, 2021. This image is not from the incident at UW Platteville. Matt Rourke/AP Photo
The Context
This is the third incident of this kind at a state university in a little over a month, after a gunman opened fire at the University of Florida in mid-April, killing two and injuring six, and another shooter injured someone at the University of Illinois in late April.
This incident also comes amid preparation for the Bryan Kohberger trial which is set to begin in August. He is accused of murdering four students off-campus at the University of Idaho.
What To Know
There are few details surrounding the students' passing, as an active investigation is ongoing, and UW Police Department (UWPD) Chief Joe Hallman told the press "I really don't have a lot of specific details at this time as it's still very fluid."
The lack of details have sparked rumors over social media regarding the incident which have not been addressed by the police as of publication.
Read more Wisconsin
Case Against LaMonica McIver 'Will Be Rejected in Court'—Attorney
Who Are Escaped New Orleans Inmates and What Have They Been Accused Of?
Palm Springs Explosion Near Fertility Clinic—What to Know
Thunderstorm Update: Millions Across Multiple States in Risk Zone
When speaking to campus and the press, Hallman said he was not trying to be vague, but that he is trying to "figure out what's going on." He explained that the university has brought in outside resources because "we want to make sure we get it right."
What People Are Saying
UW-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich said in an email sent to campus: "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified."
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers 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."
What Happens Next
Final exams have been cancelled this week for UW-Platteville and Baraboo students. The university is also offering therapy for students. UWPD has said there is no known threat to students at this time.
UWPD will hold another press conference on May 20.
Correction 5/20/25 7:10 am ET: This story was updated to correct a typo.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings