Virginia News Reporter, Cameraman Killed During Live Broadcast

Two members of Virginia’s WDBJ News family were tragically gunned down during a live broadcast early this morning.

Reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were conducting a routine interview at Bridgewater Plaza near Moneta, Virgina Wednesday morning when, without warning, shots rang out over the air.

At the time, Parker was interviewing Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, when a gunman walked up and fired at least 7 shots while the cameras were rolling.

Both Parker and Gardner screamed at the sound of the shots, and moments later you see the camera fall to the ground.

It was later confirmed that both Parker and Ward died at the scene. Gardner, who was shot in the back, is currently undergoing surgery.

After Ward was shot, he managed to catch a brief glimpse of the suspect on film, and the police are now on a chase with the man that they now believe to be a “disgruntled” employee of the station.

Parker was dating WDBJ7 news anchor Chris Hurst, who has since spoken about the tragedy:

We didn't share this publicly, but @AParkerWDBJ7 and I were very much in love. We just moved in together. I am numb. pic.twitter.com/tUrHVwAXcN

— Chris Hurst (@chrishurstwdbj) August 26, 2015

We were together almost nine months. It was the best nine months of our lives. We wanted to get married.We just celebrated her 24th birthday

— Chris Hurst (@chrishurstwdbj) August 26, 2015

She was the most radiant woman I ever met. And for some reason she loved me back. She loved her family, her parents and her brother.

— Chris Hurst (@chrishurstwdbj) August 26, 2015

I am comforted by everyone at @WDBJ7. We are a family. She worked with Adam every day. They were a team. I am heartbroken for his fiancee.

— Chris Hurst (@chrishurstwdbj) August 26, 2015

Ward was reportedly engaged to morning show producer at WDBJ, Melissa Ott, who was in the was in the station’s control room and witness the shooting as it happened.

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Parker and Ward.

Photo Credit: WDBJ7