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Roanoke - The husband of on-air shooting survivor Vicki Gardner says his wife lost a kidney and part of her colon, and faces three months of convalescence.
Tim Gardner said in a telephone interview on Thursday his heart goes out to the families of Roanoke, Virginia, television reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward.
They were killed on Wednesday by gunman Vester Flanagan as they interviewed Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Despite his sorrow, Tim Gardner says he's overjoyed that his wife of 40 years is alive. He says she was shot on the right side of her lower back while dropping to the ground in an attempt to avoid the bullets.
He said, "I would hate to have lost my partner of 40 years to a madman."
He says his wife is in good spirits, surrounded by family members at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
He says Vicki didn't hear any reaction from the WDBJ-TV journalists as Flanagan approached them. Flanagan had been fired from the station in 2013.
A memorial service has been scheduled for slain television cameraman Adam Ward.
Ward's obituary says a ceremony will be held on Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Roanoke. On Monday, Ward's family will receive friends at Salem High School.
Ward was an avid Virginia Tech and Salem High School fan. The family is encouraging those who attend to wear the schools' colors.
Ward was engaged to WDBJ-TV producer Melissa Ott. They planned to marry in July.
