2 University Students Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide at Residence Hall in Wisconsin: Reports
A statement from the school obtained by PEOPLE confirmed Kelsie Martin, 22, died from a gunshot wound, while Hallie Helms, also 22, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, per preliminary autopsy findings
"No other subjects are suspected to have been involved in the incident," the university said in the statementTwo students have died in a suspected murder-suicide at a residence hall at a university in Wisconsin, according to reports.
On the afternoon of Monday, May 19, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department "responded to a call at Wilgus Hall, a student residence hall, for a disturbance," a University of Wisconsin-Platteville statement obtained by PEOPLE confirmed.
"Upon arrival, law enforcement officers from UW-Platteville Police Department found two individuals injured, suffering from gunshot wounds," the release stated.
The school said of the victim, "One of the individuals was identified as Kelsie Martin, 22. Martin was transported to Southwest Health, and then Med-flighted to UW Hospital, where she was pronounced dead," adding that she was the Wilgus Hall Assistant Resident Director and a psychology major from Beloit, Wisconsin.
"Based upon preliminary autopsy findings, Martin was determined to have died by gunshot wound," the school said.
The statement continued, "The other individual was identified as Hallie Helms, 22, who died at the scene. Based on preliminary autopsy findings, Helms was determined to have died by self-inflicted gunshot wound," confirming she was a Wilgus Hall resident and an elementary education major from Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Per WMTV, Fox 11 News and Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), the deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide. The shooting has been described as a "targeted and isolated" incident, per ABC News, citing authorities and school officials.
The school said in the release obtained by PEOPLE that "no other subjects are suspected to have been involved in the incident," adding that the investigation is ongoing and final exams for the remainder of the week have been canceled. The school also said that counseling is available for anybody affected.
According to the WPR, both of the women graduated on Saturday, May 17.
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The university said in a Facebook message on Tuesday, "Thank you to all who have reached out to us through messages and offered to support in so many meaningful ways. We are overwhelmed by your kindness."
"We are a close community, and this outpouring of care is a powerful reminder of who we are. We do not take it for granted. #PioneerStrong," they added.
The UW-Platteville Police Department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
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