Madison Pro Chapter Mourns the Death of Virginia Journalists

SPJ Madison-Pro Chapter joins journalists from across the country in remembering the lives of Alison Parker and Adam Ward.

Keep them in your thoughts along with the WDBJ-7 family. SPJ National released the following statement.

“The Society of Professional Journalists is deeply saddened and shocked by the news today regarding the fatal shootings of WDBJ-7 journalists Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27.

Parker, a reporter, and Ward, a videographer, were on assignment for a feature story in Moneta, Va., for the CBS affiliate in Roanoke, Va. Reports say the gunman knew the victims and was a disgruntled former co-worker.

While journalists know the inherent risks of reporting in war zones or in areas of unrest abroad, I am sure these two young journalists never imagined doing an early morning live shot at a local recreational plaza would have been so dangerous or deadly. The senseless loss of these lives is tragic.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families, friends and WDBJ-7 team. We also wish the third victim, Vicki Gardner, of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, a full recovery.”