The UW-Whitewater community gathered Thursday, Sept. 5, for a vigil in memory of Kara Welsh. Coaches, teammates, family, friends and students filled the Hamilton Room inside the University Center to honor Welsh’s memory.
Throughout the vigil, those who knew Welsh shared memories and recalled her vibrant personality, from late night conversations with roommates to flipping into waves at Myrtle Beach.
“Every single memory I have with her is now my favorite,” her sister Kaeli Welsh said.
Speakers at the vigil recalled her as the strongest person they had ever known. Teammate Emily North shared memories and the many things Welsh was to her.
“Kara was the epitome of a great teammate, roommate and friend. She was the kind of person you could count on for anything,” North said. “Whether I needed some encouragement or just someone to tell me it’s going to be OK, I knew Kara would be there.”
While photos and trophies Welsh collected throughout her years on the Warhawk gymnastics team were displayed on stage next to the podium, another decoration was prominent in the room. Assistant coach Chloe Edgren was quick to point it out.
“I want to thank whoever hung up the disco ball,” Edgren laughed. “Kara was the life of the party so that seems about right.”
North, too, mentioned Welsh’s sense of humor, saying that she would want everyone to laugh while also loving those around her. Edgren talked about Welsh’s ability to make people laugh.
“Kara also liked to give me a hard time, that I was too devoted to science. In her words, I was a little nerdy,” Edgren said. “So I feel like it’s only right to say this: According to the first law of thermodynamics, no energy gets created in the universe, and none is destroyed. That means Kara’s energy is not gone, it’s here with us every day, and it will stick with us forever. Every time we feel that vibrant electric energy that she carried with her every step that she took, we will know that Kara is here with us.”
Head coach Jennifer Regan told the ballroom filled with Warhawks that while no longer physically here, Welsh’s legacy lives on.
“I feel your presence and your spirit. Your Warhawk family and sisters will know your legacy for generations to come,” Regan said. Fly high Kara, and always take the step.”
Athletic Director Ryan Callahan said that she will continue to live on in us.
Richards faces court
Chad T. Richards, the suspect of the homicide, appeared in court via video call at the Walworth County Judicial Center Friday, Sept. 6. He is being held at Walworth County Jail on a $1 million bail, he is noted as a flight risk.
Details of the night of Aug. 30 are given in the criminal complaint:
When officers entered the apartment building they observed multiple holes in the door to the bedroom. Richards told police that he and Welsh, who he stated was his girlfriend, were in an argument and he was “so mad that he punched the door.”
According to Richards’ statements to police Welsh “grabbed [Richards’] handgun from [Richards’] nightstand. [Richards] stated that he wrestled the handgun away from [Welsh]. [Richards’] stated that he shot [Welsh] with the handgun because he feared for his life.”
Richards told officers that after he shot Welsh he called his father and then called 911.
Detective Lieutenant Jacob Hintz reported finding 11 spent shell casings that were recovered from the floor of the apartment. An autopsy reflected that Welsh suffered eight gunshot wounds with wounds in her neck, wrist, abdomen, thighs and lower back. According to the criminal complaint Detective Lieutenant Hintz reported that “based upon his training and experience, the injuries to the victim and evidence at the scene were consistent with some of the shots occurring while the shooter was standing over [Welsh] with [Welsh] in the fetal position on the floor.”
Richards will undergo trial for first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while armed. According to the criminal complaint, if convicted Richards faces life in prison.
He will next be in court Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. for a preliminary hearing appearance.
