ROANOKE (WSLS) – People in Roanoke and across the country are mourning the loss of journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward. Prayer vigils were held Wednesday night throughout Southwest Virginia.
The tragic shooting death of two WDBJ employees hit close to home for so many people who invited the two into their homes every morning on television.
“It really hit home for me for this to happen in our community, said Dalton Lucas who attended a prayer vigil at WBDJ. “You don’t expect something like this to happen.”
Mourners said they were devastated by the killing of 24 year old Parker and 27 year old Ward. Many said the morning show team brightened their day.
“She was always so happy and positive. It was a great way to wake up,” said Dalton Lucas.
Police said the two were gun downed by a former station employee, Vester Flanagan, who later killed himself. As investigators looked for a motive to the crime, the community prayed for understanding.
“Sometimes you just don’t know what to do. So you pray,” said Tom McCracken, pastor at Community Church in Salem.