The senseless on air murder of Roanoke, VA. television reporter Alison Parker,24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27 by a co-worker early Wednesday morning has shocked and saddened all of us. Both of these young people started their careers as interns at WBDJ and now their careers have been cut short. A tough news day for many, including journalists.
Numerous journalists have died in the line of duty in countries overseas, but seldom at home, although eight reporters have been killed here since 1992. This tragic double murder should and will not prevent them to go about the business of bringing their stories to the public.
We extend our condolences to Allison and Adam’s friends and families and pray for a quick recovery of wounds suffered by Vickie Gardner, executive director of the South Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, who was being interviewed at the time of the shooting.
Jeff Marks, the station’s general manager, spoke for all of us when he said, “Our hearts are broken.”
Make no mistake, we are one.