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Slain WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker, photographer Adam Ward remembered

Alison Parker and Adam Ward, the reporter and photographer killed during a live television broadcast in rural Virginia Wednesday morning, are being remembered by loved ones, colleagues and friends.
/ Source: TODAY

Alison Parker and Adam Ward, the reporter and photographer shot and killed during a live television broadcast in rural Virginia Wednesday morning, are being remembered by loved ones, colleagues and friends.

The gunman, Vester Lee Flanagan, is believed to be a disgruntled ex-employee of the station. Flanagan, also known as Bryce Williams, fatally shot himself following an extensive search.

WDBJ7, the CBS station that Parker and Ward worked for, shared a simple message, including a photo of the two: "We love you, Alison and Adam."

WDBJ7 general manager Jeff Marks remembered the two employees on air.

"I cannot tell you how much they were loved, Alison and Adam, by the WDBJ7 team," he said. "Our hearts are broken and our sympathies go to the entire staff here, but also the parents and family of Adam Ward and Alison Parker, who were just out doing their job today."

Parker and Ward were killed while conducting an interview for a package to promote tourism in the area when the suspect opened fire. Footage of the incident captures the sound of shots and screams before the camera drops and cuts away to a concerned anchor in the studio.

The Franklin County Sheriff Department told NBC affiliate WLS 10 that three people were shot in the incident at the Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta, Virginia. The search for Flanagan, 41, was called off by State Police Wednesday afternoon. During the search, Flanagan posted videos of the alleged shooting to social media, even as he was pursued by authorities.

In May 2014, Parker shared a photo of herself and Ward working together. She has shared many photos of the two enjoying their time reporting together with the station.

In a heartbreaking admission, Parker's colleague, Chris Hurst, took to Facebook and Twitter Wednesday to reveal that the pair had been dating.

"I am numb," Hurst wrote.