The news industry is reeling from the senseless murder of Alison Parker and Adam Ward during their live report this morning in Virginia.
Adam was 27-years-old. Alison just turned 24.
They were both from the area.
The shooter, a former disgruntled WDJB employee, opened fire on Ward, who was a photographer, and Parker, who was a reporter, around 6:45 a.m. during a live broadcast at Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta.
Vicki Gardner of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce was also injured in the shooting, and is recovering for surgery.
The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Fairfax hospital around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. He shot himself after police tried to stop him on Interstate 66 in Fauquier County, VA.
Ward was engaged to a producer at WDBJ. His fiancée was producing the newscast at the time of the shooting, and witnessed it while she was in the control room.
Parker had been dating evening anchor Chris Hurst for nine months. Hurst and Parker had just moved in with each other, and they had also just celebrated her 24th birthday. Hurst, a native of Philadelphia, is a 2009 graduate of Emerson College in Boston.
You can follow the story on WDBJ7.com.
- Photos of Alison Parker & Adam Ward
- Condolences for the WDBJ7 Family
- A Look at the Lives of Alison Parker & Adam Ward (video)
- Shooting Timeline
The shooting has been felt throughout the industry, here are some of the reactions locally on Twitter:
Beautiful picture of how to remember the two @WDBJ7 employees who lost their lives, Alison Parker and Adam Ward. pic.twitter.com/k36vXVrmPi
— Brad Luck (@BradLuckNBC) August 26, 2015
@chrishurstwdbj @AParkerWDBJ7 I am so sorry. We are all crying. This is devistating
— Molly O'Brien (@NBC10_Molly) August 26, 2015
Our newsroom is shaken & for the entire @WDBJ7 family our hearts are broken. Our prayers are w/the loved ones of Alison Parker & Adam Ward
— Tara Joyce (@tarajoycenbc) August 26, 2015
Adam Ward was 27. Alison Parker just turned 24. My prayers for their friends, family, & coworkers at @WDBJ7. http://t.co/m2DQ7vBzYG
— Stephanie Simoni (@StephanieSimoni) August 26, 2015
@chrishurstwdbj @AParkerWDBJ7 as a fellow journalist, my heart goes out to you. So sorry for your loss.
— Alexandra CowleyABC6 (@AlexandraCowley) August 26, 2015
My deepest condolences to the families of Alison Parker, Adam Ward, @WDBJ7 family including my friend @Danielle_WDBJ7 pic.twitter.com/pkWIDwU92v
— Justin Michaels (@JMichaelsNews) August 26, 2015
Heart goes out to #wbdj after this TV crew was shot and killed during a live shot - bright and young - horrific #WCVB pic.twitter.com/fbuwlvOKVX
— Phil Lipof (@philwcvb) August 26, 2015
The TV biz is one big industry, but it is also one big family. Thoughts are with the crew and team at @WDBJ7.
— Tim Callery (@TimCalNews3) August 26, 2015
Deepest condolences to folks at @WDBJ7.
— Gerry Brooks (@GerryBrooks) August 26, 2015
I'm not sure what to make of this world anymore. My thoughts are with WDBJ7, the victims and their families --... http://t.co/iKApA2Y0Bg
— Mark Zinni (@MarkZinni) August 26, 2015
Sending thoughts and prayers to #WDBJ on the sudden loss of their two colleagues. The TV news industry is small and we are all family.
— Dennis House (@DennisHouseWFSB) August 26, 2015
The employees of #WBDJ are reporting on this senseless tragedy with such poise and grace. Our hearts ache with yours @WDBJ7.
— Keisha Grant (@KeishaGrantNBC) August 26, 2015
I believe in giving everyone a chance 2 speak. But I also believe in justice. He can be heard in court if that's what he wants #WDBJ #TVnews
— Bree Sison (@BreeSison) August 26, 2015
Every Journalists worst nightmare! How can this happen in America? Prayers for their families and colleagues! #Wcvb https://t.co/O2MInca7LU
— Heather Unruh (@HeatherUnruh) August 26, 2015
Our condolences to the news team killed on the job @WDBJ7 and to reporter Chris Hurst '09. @chrishurstwdbj
— Emerson College (@EmersonCollege) August 26, 2015
