Two students dead in incident at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Two students are dead following a "targeted and isolated" incident at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Monday afternoon.

University Chancellor Tammy Evetovich confirmed the deaths of the students on Monday evening, identifying them as Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin.

"This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals," Evetovich said. "Families of the students have been notified."

The UW-Platteville Police Department confirmed in a statement that the incident was isolated and there "is no ongoing threat to the public."

Few details regarding the manner of the students' deaths have been revealed as of Tuesday morning, but there was a shelter-in-place and a large police response to Wilgus Hall around 4 p.m., with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel speaking to "campus sources" who said there was a shooting.

The newspaper notes that in a 7 p.m. press conference, UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman wouldn't even confirm there had been a shooting, an attack, or whether anyone was injured or killed. The deaths of the two students was officially confirmed later with the statement from Evetovich.

Final exams have been canceled at Platteville for the week, according to Channel 3000, though the campus will remain open and counseling will be offered.

"I've been briefed on the situation at UW-Platteville, and we will continue to remain in close contact with university officials," said Gov. Tony Evers. "As we await more information, please keep UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, and the greater Platteville community in your thoughts."

UW-Platteville has an enrollment of around 6,700 students as of fall 2023.