Kelsie Martin, Hallie Helms Obituary, Death: Two students from UW-Platteville have died following an ‘isolated’ incident that occurred within a residence hall on campus.
Kelsie Martin, Hallie Helms Obituary, Death – Two female students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville tragically died following an “isolated” incident inside a campus residence hall on Monday, prompting authorities to briefly issue a shelter-in-place order as they investigate the situation.
According to a report by NBC affiliate TMJ4, the university described the event as a “targeted and isolated” confrontation involving only the two students. The deceased were identified as 22-year-old Kelsie Martin from Beloit, Wisconsin, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms from Baraboo, Wisconsin. The university had not immediately responded to inquiries from NBC Chicago at the time.
UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman shared details during a press conference Monday evening, explaining that officers responded to a 911 call around 4 p.m. at Wilgus Hall, a dormitory on campus. Upon arrival, the police found no ongoing threat but took precautionary measures by activating safety protocols and issuing a shelter-in-place order to protect residents and staff. Images from the scene showed police vehicles and red caution tape surrounding the dormitory’s entrance and parking area.
Approximately an hour after the initial response, the shelter-in-place order was lifted once the police confirmed the incident was contained and isolated, Hallman said. The chief also revealed that one individual was taken from Wilgus Hall during the incident but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
The aftermath of the incident led university officials to take steps in supporting the campus community. Dr. Laura Reynolds, the university’s provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, announced that final exams for both the Platteville and Baraboo campuses would be canceled for the remainder of the week. She emphasized the importance of giving students and faculty time to grieve and come together during this difficult period.
“Both the faculty and staff as well as the students need time to be together, need time to work through this together,” Reynolds said during the briefing. “We are deeply saddened to know this event has a negative impact on our pioneers, and we know students will want to be able to focus on their own well-being and spend time with friends and family.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also issued a statement Monday evening expressing his condolences and support. He said he was in ongoing contact with the university and urged the community to keep those affected in their thoughts as more information comes to light.
“As we await more information, please keep UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, and the greater Platteville community in your thoughts,” the governor’s statement read.
To assist those struggling with the emotional toll of the incident, the university has made counseling services available. Students can access counseling from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line has been set up to offer assistance, with numbers provided as (844) 602-6680 and (720) 272-0004.
The university community is continuing to process the shock and sadness resulting from the tragic event, and officials have committed to providing updates as the investigation unfolds.
This situation remains under active investigation by UW-Platteville Police, and further details are expected to be released in the coming days. The university encourages anyone with relevant information to cooperate with authorities as they work toward a clearer understanding of what occurred inside Wilgus Hall.
As the campus mourns the loss of these two young women, the priority remains ensuring safety, offering support, and helping the community heal. The cancellation of exams and provision of mental health resources reflect the university’s commitment to care for its students and staff during this very difficult time.
This story is developing, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
