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.”
Joy Behar Calls Dolly Parton’s Jolene Anti-Feminist And Fans Come Unglued
There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of viewpoints these days, and people are willing to argue almost anything. The View, where the hosts explore some of the most fascinating subjects, is one venue where these discussions frequently take place.
Joy Behar, one of The View’s members, recently sparked a heated discussion by questioning the renowned country song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, implying that it might have anti-feminist connotations.
Behar even went so far as to declare that Beyoncé’s more current rendition of “Jolene” was better. People’s attention is being drawn to the intense conversation that has been ignited by this comment.
Joy Behar is not afraid to voice her opinions, and she made sure the show’s producer knew that she preferred Beyoncé’s performance of “Jolene.” Behar claims that Dolly Parton’s rendition of the song displays possessiveness and insecurity, especially when Parton is pleading with the mistress not to take her lover.
This notion, according to Behar, is antifeminist because it suggests that women should be worried that their men might cheat on them because they are attracted to other women. She feels that it undercuts women’s empowerment.
However, Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene,” known as “Cowboy Carter,” presents an alternative viewpoint. In the song, Beyoncé issues a warning to the other person, telling them to avoid her connection, instead of pleading with them.
Naturally, a lot of people—including country music icon Reba McEntire—had comments about the matter. McEntire just chuckled when asked about Joy Behar’s remark and complimented Beyoncé on her contributions to the country music genre.
Behar praises Beyoncé’s performance of “Jolene” for its strong message, but she still maintains that Dolly Parton’s song is anti-feminist. Behar claims that Beyoncé’s rendition shows a self-assured lady who is prepared to face the difficulties in her relationship head-on.
Fascinatingly, Dolly Parton appears to value Beyoncé’s rendition of the song, which adds another dimension to this continuing discussion.
As long as people are willing to talk about it, this argument will undoubtedly continue. Undoubtedly, Joy Behar evoked powerful feelings, and not everyone finds it amusing.
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