Dan Smith
Vickie Gardner: “I don’t think I knew I was not dead.”
The Spectacular Rebound of Vickie Gardner By Dan Smith The victim of an infamous shooting seen on live TV is leading the economic development charge at Smith Mountain Lake. Vickie Gardner lay face-down on the cool decking outside her office, overlooking the boats docked at Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta, wondering how long she had left to live. Just minutes before, Gardner, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce in her late career, was being interviewed live for a morning television show out of Roanoke by a young journalist and her cameraman. She was lively, ebullient, full of information, natural. It was her way, one that interviewers liked. They were talking about the 50th anniversary celebration for the lake and she was in her element: marketing a place she loved.
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t APRIL 2022 / vbFRONT.com
She had spent years building the lake as a destination, a place to call home. It wasn’t just a job; it was her passion. She had a career, a husband she loved, two daughters, real happiness and fulfilment. Gardner noticed a man standing off to the side, watching them, but that wasn’t unusual. When TV showed up, so did the gawkers. She was asked a question. As she was answering, she heard a noise. The young journalist (Alison Parker) screamed. And now this. She heard Bryce Williams’ footsteps slowly shuffling toward her and
