Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students died after a “targeted and isolated event” on campus Monday, officials said.
The two 22-year-old students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, were the only people involved in the incident at an on-campus residence hall, the university said.
UW-Platteville Police Department Chief Joe Hallman said that a 911 call came in briefly before 4 p.m. Monday about a situation at Wilgus Hall.
“It was determined relatively soon that it was not an active, ongoing threat,” Hallman said at a news briefing Monday evening. “Emergency personnel responded immediately.”
The campus was advised to shelter in place, Hallman said, adding that safety protocol was activated. The shelter-in-place order was lifted just after 5 p.m.
Hallman said the incident is “an ongoing active” investigation, and did not provide any details about what happened. UW-Platteville officials also did not provide any information about Monday’s incident.
“This is an evolving situation,” said university spokesperson Christine Bellport. “We are anticipating a joint statement from University Police and the Department Criminal Investigation (DCI) today with investigative details.”
Sophomore Eric Sperduto, who lives in Wilgus Hall, told NBC News affiliate WMTV in Madison, Wisc., that he saw two girls running from the building after 4 p.m. Monday. He also saw law enforcement in the building.
“It’s just really sad and just sad to think about the families that are affected by this and people that were their friends and stuff that I guess that are students just like me that are changed now,” Sperduto told the outlet.
In a statement, Chancellor Tammy Evetovich mourned the loss of Martin, of Beloit, Wisc., and Helms, of Baraboo, Wisc., calling the incident “targeted and isolated.” The families of the women have been notified, she said.
The university is offering counseling services this week for members of the community, Evetovich added.
“The well-being of our Pioneer community is my biggest concern,” she said. “Please take the time to take care of yourself and others.”
UW-Platteville in the middle of finals season. Final exams have been canceled for the rest of the week, said Vice Chancellor Laura K Reynolds, who also spoke at Monday’s news briefing.
The university and its police department did not respond to additional requests for comment Tuesday.
