Derrick Ward, beloved Washington, DC journalist, has passed away. He was 62 years old.
NBC 4 Washington, the station where Ward worked, announced his death on Wednesday, January 8.
Ward died Tuesday, Jan. 7 after complications from a recent cardiac arrest, his family said in a statement shared with the station.
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“Derrick was an inspiration and a valued member of our family and hometown community as a longtime reporter at News4 Washington and previously WTOP radio,” the statement continued. “As a distinguished journalist, Derrick’s storytelling, prolific writing, warmth and humor touched countless lives. He will be greatly missed by our children and our entire family.”
He is survived by three children, Derrick Jr., Ian and Marisa.
“We ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time, and express our gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support. Details regarding his funeral mass will be announced in the coming days,” their statement concluded.
Ward began his career in radio before moving on to WPFW, WAMU and WTOP.
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While a reporter, he covered career-defining stories such as the Iran-Contra hearings, the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and sniper shootings in the Washington area, according to NBC.
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His first on-camera reporting job was for Buffalo’s WKBW-TV. He later returned to Washington in 2006 as part of the NBC family.
Ward grew up in DC and attended HD Woodson High School before attending the University of Maryland.
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