CRIME

The Latest: Hometown crowd gathers at school to honor cameraman killed in on-air shooting

Associated Press
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Mourners hug as they arrive at Salem High school to remember alumnus WDBJ-TV cameraman Adam Ward, in Salem, Va., Monday, Aug. 31, 2015. Ward and reporter Alison Parker were gunned down by a former co-worker during a live shot last week. Salem High School opened its doors to the community Monday to commemorate the life of alumnus Ward. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

Mourners Judy Deel, right, and Rebecca Boone, both teachers at Troutville Elementary School, hold each other as they arrive for a visitation for WDBJ-TV cameraman Adam Ward at Salem High School in Salem, Va., Monday, Aug. 31, 2015. Ward and reporter Alison Parker were gunned down by a former co-worker during a live shot last week. Salem High School opened its doors to the community Monday to commemorate the life of alumnus Ward. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

Members of the Salem High school football team arrive for a visitation for WDBJ-TV cameraman Adam Ward at the school in Salem, Va., Monday, Aug. 31, 2015. Ward and reporter Alison Parker were gunned down by a former co-worker during a live shot last week. Salem High School opened its doors to the community Monday to commemorate the life of alumnus Ward. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

The latest on Salem High School opening its doors to the community to commemorate the life of alumnus Adam Ward, the 27-year-old cameraman for a Roanoke television station who was slain on live TV last week (all times local):

2:15 p.m.

A community reception has begun at Salem High School to honor alumnus Adam Ward, the 27-year-old cameraman for a Roanoke television station who was slain on live TV last week.

A white hearse was parked outside the school's main entrance Monday afternoon, while law enforcement officers directed traffic and guided visitors. Members of Salem High's football team, wearing the team jerseys, were among the first people to enter the school. Many visitors wore the maroon school colors of Salem High and Virginia Tech. Ward graduated from both schools.

Others on hand included U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia and two female teachers who taught Ward in elementary school.

Ward and reporter Alison Parker were gunned down by a former co-worker. Vicki Gardner, a Chamber of Commerce official, was wounded in the attack.

Authorities said the shooter, Vester Lee Flanagan, later died of a self-inflicted wound.