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Virginia TV news shooting victim leaves hospital with message of hope Virginia TV news shooting victim leaves hospital with message of hope
(35 minutes later)
The business woman who survived the shooting of two television journalists live on the air has been released from hospital and posted an emotional and uplifting message on social media calling on people to “leave a lasting positive legacy in place of this tragedy”. The businesswoman who survived the shooting of two television journalists live on the air has been released from hospital and posted an emotional and uplifting message on social media calling on people to “leave a lasting positive legacy in place of this tragedy”.
Vicki Gardner, executive director of the chamber of commerce for the resort area of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, was shot in the back by the gunman who opened fire on a local television team, killing a reporter and a cameraman in the 26 August attack.Vicki Gardner, executive director of the chamber of commerce for the resort area of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, was shot in the back by the gunman who opened fire on a local television team, killing a reporter and a cameraman in the 26 August attack.
Gardner was released from Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Monday and has returned home, but she faces a long recovery from her injuries. Gardner was released from Carilion Roanoke Memorial hospital on Monday and has returned home, but she faces a long recovery from her injuries.
But she wrote on social media about feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about life and the potential to make a difference.But she wrote on social media about feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about life and the potential to make a difference.
She has been writing messages on Facebook under the subject of Vicki’s Recovery Page.She has been writing messages on Facebook under the subject of Vicki’s Recovery Page.
“Every day I wake to renewing strength and optimism. I have no thoughts of ‘why me’ but a feeling of what can be done to unite our great community,” says a message posted on Monday.“Every day I wake to renewing strength and optimism. I have no thoughts of ‘why me’ but a feeling of what can be done to unite our great community,” says a message posted on Monday.
News reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, who worked for the Roanoke-based WDBJ television station, were killed last month as they broadcast live coverage of Parker interviewing Gardner about tourism in the region.News reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, who worked for the Roanoke-based WDBJ television station, were killed last month as they broadcast live coverage of Parker interviewing Gardner about tourism in the region.
Parker and Ward were killed by Vester Flanagan, a former employee of the TV station, who later shot himself dead while being pursued by the police.Parker and Ward were killed by Vester Flanagan, a former employee of the TV station, who later shot himself dead while being pursued by the police.
Parker’s parents called for tighter gun controls in the wake of the shooting, then spoke out as they were showered with protests from the pro-gun lobby.Parker’s parents called for tighter gun controls in the wake of the shooting, then spoke out as they were showered with protests from the pro-gun lobby.
Gardner ducked down as Flanagan shot at her, too, during the attack. Her husband later reported that she said she didn’t see the gunman because of the bright camera lights, but several bullets missed her and as she lay on the ground playing dead the gunman fired one shot that hit her in the back.Gardner ducked down as Flanagan shot at her, too, during the attack. Her husband later reported that she said she didn’t see the gunman because of the bright camera lights, but several bullets missed her and as she lay on the ground playing dead the gunman fired one shot that hit her in the back.
Gardner spent time in an intensive care ward and had to undergo emergency surgery and lost a kidney and suffered intestinal damage from the gunshot.Gardner spent time in an intensive care ward and had to undergo emergency surgery and lost a kidney and suffered intestinal damage from the gunshot.
But her social media post was full of resolve and a call to action.But her social media post was full of resolve and a call to action.
“It’s obvious that there is much to be done. As I re-focus on things of importance I’m filled with newfound energy and the enthusiasm to make a difference. We at Smith Mountain Lake will not be defined by an act of violence. We are #SMLSTRONG,” she wrote.“It’s obvious that there is much to be done. As I re-focus on things of importance I’m filled with newfound energy and the enthusiasm to make a difference. We at Smith Mountain Lake will not be defined by an act of violence. We are #SMLSTRONG,” she wrote.
Family members wrote in another post on the page that they were “thrilled” to have Gardner home and thanking all those who sent her messages of support.Family members wrote in another post on the page that they were “thrilled” to have Gardner home and thanking all those who sent her messages of support.