Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27, were killed in the field during a
live news segment this morning in Moneta, Virginia, according to their
station, WDBJ-TV, a CBS affiliate serving the Roanoke-Lynchburg
television market.
The Franklin County sheriff confirmed that it is considered an
active-shooter situation and the suspect, who is believed to be male, is
not in custody at this time.
The incident was reported at 6:45 a.m. and schools in the surrounding
area have been placed on lock down, according to a Facebook post from
Bedford County Public Schools.
The shooting itself took place at Bridgewater Plaza, a recreational
facility with shops, restaurants, a mini golf course and boat rentals.
WDBJ president and general manager Jeffrey A. Marks went on air this
morning confirming the two deaths and noting that both victims were in
relationships with other staffers at the station.
He said it was his "very very sad duty" to report their deaths, and
noted that the shooting is under investigation. "We have other members
of the team with us today holding back tears, frankly," Marks said.
Marks said Parker was a graduate of James Madison University, while Ward was a Virginia Tech graduate.
Marks and the anchors confirmed on air that Ward's fiancee was a morning
producer at the station who was celebrating her last day at work today
before starting a new job. Parker reportedly brought in balloons as part
of the celebration before going out for the fatal live report.
The station is owned by Schurz Communications of South Bend, Indiana.
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