NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 from medical complications.
Ward, of Washington DC, died on Tuesday from ‘complications of a recent cardiac arrest’ exhaust revealed on social media.
“Derrick has been an inspiring and beloved member of our family and his hometown community as a longtime reporter at News4 Washington and previously WTOP Radio,” Lydia Sermons, a family friend, said in a statement.
“As a leading journalist, Derrick’s stories, prolific writing, warmth and humor have touched countless lives. Our children and our entire family will miss him very much.”
Ward began his journalism career with radio work, working at three stations: WPFW, WAMU and WTOP, the outlet said.
The University of Maryland graduate covered the September 11 attack on the Pentagon, as well as the Iran-Contra hearings.
He made his television debut on WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, before returning to his native DC in 2006 to work for NBC Washington, also known as News4 Washington.
Ward grew up in DC’s Marshall Heights and H Street Corridor. He lived through the 1968 riots and documented his experiences on the news network as part of its 40th anniversary coverage, the newspaper said.
NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at age 62 from ‘complications of a recent cardiac arrest’
Ward began his journalism career with radio work, working at three stations: WPFW, WAMU and WTOP. He made his television debut on WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, before returning to DC in 2006 to work for NBC Washington, also known as News4 Washington.
Some of the latest news stories Ward covered involved a burning building in DC, a mother honoring her late son whom she lost to addiction, and the U.S. Senate.
When he wasn’t telling stories to DC residents, Ward enjoyed playing guitar. He even played a gig with Big Boy Little Band in September 2013.
His last report was posted on December 27.
Ward is survived by three children: Derrick Jr., Ian and Marisa.
Many of his former colleagues paid tribute to the dedicated journalist on social media.
Fellow NBC Washington reporter Mark Segraves wrote to X: “Heartbreaking to lose a dear friend and colleague. @DerrickWard4 was a brilliant writer and journalist who loved covering his hometown.
“Derrick was also a fantastic musician. RIP brother, we’ll take it from here.”
Investigative journalist for the outlet, Tracee Wilkins, also paid tribute to her colleague, writing: ‘My heart is broken by the loss of my friend. Derrick greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and a warm laugh. He was a devoted father, a great colleague, a great journalist and a gifted guitarist. Prayers for his children and loving family.”
In his spare time, Ward enjoyed playing guitar and even played a set with Big Boy Little Band in September 2013 (photo)
Paul Wagner, who also worked with Ward at WTOP and NBC in the late 1990s, recalled how he always greeted him with a, “Hey, Wags!” and how it ‘always made me laugh’.
“Over the past four years of @nbcwashington, I’ve had a front row seat to his talented and beautiful stories.”
NBC reporter Aimee Cho wrote, “Simply heartbroken over the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Derrick Ward. He was always so nice to me and everyone he met.
“I loved shadowing him when I was an intern, and I learned so much from him about writing, history, and life. We love you, Derrick.”