May 19, 2025, 4:52 PM CST
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PLATTEVILLE, Wis., (CIVIC MEDIA) — Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students have died after an incident that occurred at a resident hall on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus on Monday afternoon.
UW-Platteville officials issued a statement on Monday night reporting that two students — Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo — died.
“This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified,” officials said in the statement.
Authorities are investigating the incident, but many details about what happened are still unclear.
Speaking during a news conference Monday evening, UW-Platteville University Police Chief Joseph Hallman said that authorities were alerted to the situation after a 911 call at before 4 p.m. Officers responded to the situation at Wilgus Hall.
“It was determined it was not an active, ongoing threat. Emergency personnel responded immediately. We activated our safety protocol and alerted campus to shelter in place,” he said.
Earlier in the afternoon, university officials issued three shelter-in-place alerts. A UW-Platteville employee reported that three alerts were sent by the university around 4:30 p.m. The first reported an emergency on campus and asked people to avoid campus or shelter in place. A second alert came moments later, advising individuals to avoid Wilgus Hall. The third alert continued to urge people to shelter in place and avoid the school.
UW-Platteville police and UW-Platteville communications officials said that the event was an “isolated incident” and there is no threat on campus.
Hallman said the shelter-in-place alert was cleared just after 5 p.m.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot comment on any specific details at this time. The situation is very fluid,” he said.
Authorities said that one person was transported to the hospital from the residence hall, but they didn’t give any further information.
Hallman said UW-Platteville university police were assisted by city police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Department and emergency management officials.
Officials said that they were setting up accommodations for any residents of Wilgus Hall.
Officials Say Campus Remains Open, Cancel Final Exams
Dr. Laura Reynolds, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, said during a Monday evening press conference, that they will cancel all final exams for UW-Platteville and UW-Baraboo campus.
“Because we are a close knit community, we feel this is in the best interest of our faculty, staff and students,” she said.
UW-Platteville officials posted a message on the university’s website acknowledging the incident occurred.
“The incident on campus today created a great deal of stress for students, faculty and staff. In light of that stress, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will cancel all remaining final exams and scheduled assessments through the end of the week. Specific questions or concerns can be addressed to your faculty member, and the college deans are available to answer questions,” the message said.
Officials said that the campus will remain open and that students could receive counseling through Mantra’s Care Hub and University Counseling. For information about student counseling resources, visit the university’s site.
Gov. Tony Evers tweeted Monday evening that he had been briefed on the situation and would remain in contact with university officials.
“As we await more information, please keep UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, and the greater Platteville community in your thoughts,” he wrote.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. This story will be updated as more details emerge. Stay tuned to Civic Media for continuing coverage.
Lucas Hunt, Jimmie Kaska and David Hyland contributed to this report.
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