Third victim from on-air TV shooting leaves hospital

Liz Szabo | USA TODAY

The third victim of the on-air shooting that killed two TV journalists has left the hospital.

Vicki Gardner survived being shot in the back Aug. 26 in Moneta, Va., when an embittered former reporter at WDBJ7-TV opened fire on her, TV reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27. Parker and Ward died.

Gardner, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, was alert enough after the attack to call her husband and walk herself to an ambulance, which rushed her to Carilion Memorial Hospital in Roanoke because of life-threatening injuries.

Gardner underwent two surgeries, losing a kidney and part of her colon due to damage from the bullet.

"We are thrilled to have her home, but she does face a long recuperation time to be back at 100%," her family posted on Facebook. "Vicki wants to thank all of you for your support and prayers and for respecting her privacy as she continues her journey back to full health. She will make a statement to the media as soon as she has had time to rest up and adjust to her new routine."

In a statement posted to her Facebook page Monday, Gardner wrote, "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 and leave a lasting positive legacy in place of this tragedy. It's obvious that there is much to be done. As I re-focus on things of importance I'm filled with new-found energy and the enthusiasm to make a difference."