Around 6:45 a.m. WDBJ reporter Alison Parker, 24, and photojournalist Adam Ward, 27, were shot and killed during a live broadcast from Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia. The gunman is 41 year old Vester Lee Flanagan, who is a former WDBJ reporter that is known professionally as Bryce Williams. WDBJ general manager Jeffrey Marks stated that Flanagan was an “unhappy man” who “quickly became known for a reputation for being difficult to work with” and was known for “looking out for people to say things that he would take offense to”. Two years ago Flanagan was fired from the news station and had to be escorted off of the premises by police.
An ex-employee of WDBJ revealed that the reason for Flanagan’s dismissal was not made public. Marks stated, “Two years ago, we had to separate him from the company. We did understand that he was still living in the area.” ABC News received a 23 page fax from someone named Bryce Williams, which was immediately handed over to authorities to investigate. After the incident occured, Flanagan took to his Twitter and Facebook (both which have been suspended) to post two videos of the shooting as well as tweeting that Parker made racists comments about him and was hired for her job shortly after.
Virginia state police reported that they pursued Flanagan around 11:30 a.m. heading eastbound on Interstate 66. In a statement, Virginia police stated, “He refused to stop and sped away from the trooper. Minutes later, the suspect vehicle ran off the road and crashed. The troopers approached the vehicle and found the male driver suffering from a gunshot wound.” Flanagan was airlifted to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Parker’s boyfriend, Chris Hurst, who is also a reporter at WDBJ, revealed that he and Parker had been dating for nine months and were very much in love. A few months ago Ward announced his engagement to morning producer Melissa Ott.
Check out the raw footage below.
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
The support is overwhelming. Sorry if I haven't been able to respond personally. Alison's life will be shared today and forever
— Chris Hurst (@chrishurstwdbj) August 26, 2015
