A WDBJ-TV news reporter and cameraman who were shot dead live on air by a former colleague have received an Emmy each.
Alison Parker and Adam Ward were awarded the Ted Yates Award Emmy statuettes by the Washington DC branch of the National Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences. This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional and personal qualities in their contribution to TV news and public affairs.
A third Emmy award was given to staff at the TV network in Roanoake, Virginia, for “showing courage in the face of tragedy”, WDBJ-TV reported.
Alison Parker (24) and Adam Ward (27) were killed by Vester Lee Flanagan live on air during an interview in Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta. He recorded the whole thing and posted it online. The 41-year-old then took his own life during a police chase. Flanagan was dismissed by WDBJ-TV in February 2013 for poor performance and an inability to co-operate with his co-workers.