Behind the very public tragedy of the two WDBJ employees shot and killed this morning, is the private story about the very real lives reporters, anchors and photographers live behind the scenes.
Anchors, reporters, viewers and colleagues used social media to reach out and offer condolences to families, friends and loved ones. Hashtags for #AlisonParker and #AdamWard gave focus to the outpouring of support for the two.
WDBJ anchor Chris Hurst took to Facebook to reveal he and Alison Parker were “very much in love.”
CNN’s Brian Stelter reports Ward’s fiancé Melissa Ott was in the control room when the shootings happened.
WDBJ photographer Adam Ward’s fiancé Melissa Ott was in the control room — she saw the shooting happen live.
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 26, 2015
WOFL anchor LuAnne Sorrell wrote:
Our prayers go out to @ChrisHurst! The boyfriend of reporter Allison Parker who was killed this morning. #Fox35 https://t.co/JNIRQHdA4n
— LuAnne Sorrell (@luannesorrell) August 26, 2015
Fox News’ Gretchen Carlson added to the thoughts:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Allison and Adam’s families – so sorry. @chrishurstwdbj @AParkerWDBJ7 https://t.co/DpCbBztTce
— Gretchen Carlson (@GretchenCarlson) August 26, 2015
WSET reporter Suri Crowe wrote:
Heartbroken for @WDBJ7 @AParkerWDBJ7 a lovely person. @chrishurstwdbj I’m so sorry. #AdamWard
The journalists of NewsGuild-CWA offer our deepest sympathies to the friends and families of @AParkerWDBJ7 and #AdamWard. @WDBJ7
— NewsGuild (@news_guild) August 26, 2015
WCBS anchor Diane Macedo sent her condolences:
Condolences to @WDBJ7 & families of #AlisonParker & #AdamWard shot to death during live report http://t.co/yMkankjAyf pic.twitter.com/E4AzTw7I9q
— Diane Macedo (@dianermacedo) August 26, 2015