Loved ones are completely shattered by the “heartbreaking” death of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old star gymnast, who was shot to death by a man identified by college friends as her boyfriend.
The national champion was found dead in her off-campus apartment on August 30, and a friend of the couple says he “beats” himself up for not sharing “just one more” moment that maybe “could change” what happened.
Keep reading to learn about Welsh’s tragic death.
On Saturday August 31, Sierra Brooks learned Kara Welsh, her best friend and former teammate, was shot to death the night before.
“I can’t even wrap my head around how someone could do this, let alone to such a beautiful person,” she writes in a tribute to the 21-year-old Welsh, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) student who was majoring in business and economics.
Welsh, a gymnast, also won an individual title on the vault in 2023.
According to a statement, the student, from Plainfield, Illinois, was found dead in an off-campus apartment about 11:54 p.m. on August 30.
She was shot multiple times.
When police arrived, a 23-year-old male who was known to Welsh was also in the home and “it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.”
‘Heartbreaking’
“Absolutely heartbreaking to receive a phone call like this one. Kara, you deserved the world and more,” shares Brooks, who in her earlier years trained with Welsh at the Aspire Gymnastics Academy. “Wish I could just see you one more time. Wish I could laugh with you just one more time. Wish I could hug you one more time.”
Aspire also shared several photos of the star gymnast along with a touching tribute for the young woman on their Facebook site.
“As Kara grew, so did Aspire. She was a constant in a sport that is filled with ups and downs. She was full of life and full of personality,” the training center writes. “Kara had a way of communicating through facial expressions that was second to none. Aspire lost a piece of its heart today. Kara, we love you.”
Corey King, chancellor at UWW, released a statement on August 31 and calling Welsh “a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team,” he shares that “news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community.”
“I hate that evil touched this sweet girl’s life,” writes a friend on Facebook, who shares the tribute posted by Aspire. Referring to Welsh’s sister Kaeli, the netizen continues, “The Welsh girls showed us how to be gym sisters but so much more. Kara was all heart. The loss is unfathomable.”
‘I beat myself up’
Police have not yet released the name of the suspect as he has not yet been officially charged.
But friends reveal the pair were dating, and the man, identified as Chad Richards, was helping Welsh move into her apartment.
“Sometimes I beat myself up, if I was able to see them that day maybe…just one more joke one more memory we could make…could change…” says Brayten Wilkerson, a friend of both Welsh and the suspect, who was a member of UWW wrestling team. Speaking with ABC affiliate WISN, Wilkerson continues, “Kara was a sweetheart. She was one of the best people you could meet. Her family did a great job raising her – a wonderful woman.”
Taylor Swift Gets Loudly Booed Off at The Ellen DeGeneres Show After Endorsement Backlash: “Get Outta Here!”
After her contentious support of Kamala Harris, pop icon Taylor Swift was reportedly heckled off The Ellen DeGeneres Show set in an unexpected development that rocked the entertainment industry. The infamously eccentric talk show host and singer of “Shake It Off” were set for a lighthearted discussion that quickly descended into chaos as viewers voiced their disapproval of Swift’s political views.
Swift’s latest entry into the political sphere has drawn criticism and raised suspicions among those who have watched her incredible ascent from rural darling to worldwide musical phenomenon. Swift, who was formerly renowned for holding her political cards close to the vest, has experienced a tremendous reaction following her endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential contest. On the Ellen set, this division was painfully visible as some of her admirers rallied behind the endorsement, while others felt left out.
The taping started off fairly innocently enough, with Taylor smiling broadly as she stepped onto Ellen’s famous white couch and the audience applauding. However, things rapidly changed when Ellen, in typical charming fashion, inquired about the Harris endorsement that had set up a social media controversy.
Ellen teased Swift with a smile, saying, “So, Taylor, let’s talk about that little tweet you posted about Kamala,” anticipating a lively exchange. But as soon as Swift spoke out to justify her decision, the tone in the studio changed from lighthearted to downright antagonistic.
The music sensation tried to defend her choice, but the first jeers came from the crowd before she could say more than “Kamala is my role model.” There were a few whispers at first, but in a matter of seconds, there was a roar of laughter and exclamations, “Get out of here!” that echoed throughout the studio.
Ever the professional, Ellen attempted to diffuse the tension by gesturing to the crowd with her hands. Guys, this is a nice show—come on! She begged, “Let’s listen to her out,” but it was ineffective. The audience wasn’t about to absolve Swift of her responsibilities because they had already made up their minds.
Ellen tried her hardest, but the jeers just got louder, bouncing off the walls and stifling any real conversation. Clearly shaken and taken aback by the animosity, Swift attempted to brush it off with a joke. But her smile turned to an unpleasant frown as the jeers got louder.
Swift said into the microphone, “I didn’t think this would happen,” as she looked across to Ellen, who was hopelessly shrugging while displaying a mix of shame and laughter on her face. This was unlike anything the talk show presenter, who was well-known for her laid-back chats, had ever seen.
With the clamor of criticism building to a crescendo, Swift rose to his feet and nodded pitifully at Ellen. She waved awkwardly at the audience and said, “I think I should go,” before the production crew escorted her off stage.
The increasing backlash from Swift’s political endorsement continues with this incident. In addition to splintering her following base, her outspoken support for Harris has significantly reduced ticket sales for her current Eras Tour.
Many critics contend that Swift made a mistake by entering politics, arguing that she would have been better off sticking to her strengths of creating music and avoiding contentious political matters. A disappointed former admirer said, “I loved her music, but I didn’t sign up for this political drama,” on the former Twitter platform, X. Taylor should refrain from meddling in elections and stick to entertaining.
Some critics were not so courteous. As they were leaving the taping, one audience member was heard to remark, “I used to think she was cool, but now she’s just another out-of-touch celebrity trying to tell us how to vote.” “I didn’t come here to hear Taylor preach politics; I came here to enjoy a fun Ellen show.”
Many observers weren’t blind to the irony of the scenario. Ultimately, The Ellen DeGeneres Show is renowned for being a secure, upbeat venue where visitors come to showcase their most recent endeavors and exchange humorous anecdotes. The fact that Swift was jeered off of an intimate stage like Ellen’s says a lot about the intensity of the criticism she is receiving.
Ellen, who is accustomed to controversy herself, appeared surprised at the ferocity of the audience’s response. A production team member for Ellen later stated that the part will not be aired in its entirety, leading some to speculate that the interview would not even be shown on the show. The source declared, “We’ve never seen anything like this before.” “Normally, Taylor’s fans are really encouraging, but today was really something else. It quickly became ugly.
Swift has not spoken anything on social media since the Ellen incident, leaving many to worry whether or how she will handle the situation. Swift’s staff, on the other side, has quickly distorted the facts, highlighting the value of free speech and her freedom to express her political opinions in a statement. The statement said, “Taylor believes in using her platform to advocate for the causes and leaders she believes in.” “Those who disagree with her or boo her will not silence her.”
Insiders, nevertheless, speculate that the singer may have been more shaken by the incident than her representatives are letting on. One person close to Swift claims that she was “devastated” by the jeers and sobbed as she exited the stage. The source claimed, “She wasn’t anticipating that kind of reaction at all.” “She expected to be able to share her perspective, but the crowd wouldn’t even allow her to speak.”
The backlash that followed Taylor Swift’s support of Kamala Harris serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that celebrities who enter politics confront. Swift’s experience highlights how turbulent and polarizing the contemporary political atmosphere can be, despite the fact that many celebrities have effectively used their platforms to support causes and candidates.
Swift’s entry into politics has empowered some fans, who see it as evidence that their favorite musician is making positive use of her platform. However, for some, it has been a deal-breaker, making them wonder if they can still support an artist whose opinions they disagree with.
One thing is certain: Swift has a difficult road ahead of her as she struggles with the criticism. It remains to be seen if she can get past the backlash and mend her relationship with her admirers. But for the time being, she probably still hears “Get out of here!” a lot.
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