Hallie Helms dies in fatal UW-Platteville dorm shooting

Hallie Helms dies in fatal UW-Platteville dorm shooting

Fatal UW-Platteville dorm shooting death of Hallie Helms – Obituary

Hallie Helms, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was found dead in a campus dormitory from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to university officials. The incident, which also claimed the life of fellow student Kelsie Martin, is being investigated as a murder-suicide.

Authorities responded to a disturbance at Wilgus Hall on the afternoon of Monday, May 19, 2025. When campus police arrived, they found both women with gunshot wounds. Kelsie Martin, 22, was taken to Southwest Health and later flown to UW Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Martin, originally from Beloit, Wisconsin, was a psychology major and served as Assistant Resident Director at the dorm.

Hallie Helms, also 22, was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings indicate she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Helms was an elementary education major from Baraboo, Wisconsin, and lived in Wilgus Hall.

Officials confirmed no other individuals were involved. While the motive remains unclear, the university continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Both women had recently graduated, and Martin had previously been recognized by UW-Platteville for her work in the dormitory.