Derrick Ward, a renowned reporter known for covering local news and significant events throughout Washington, D.C., has died at age 62.
Ward covered major D.C. events that made both local and national headlines
According to NBC Washington, Ward died Tuesday following complications from cardiac arrest.
Ward, a D.C. native, grew up in Marshall Heights and the H Street Corridor in Northeast. He lived through the 1968 riots and documented his experiences on News4 as part of the station’s 40th anniversary coverage. According to his biography on the NBC Washington website, Ward attended HD Woodson High School and the University of Maryland.
Ward was a general assignment reporter for NBC Washington. He started his journalism career in radio and worked for WPFW, WAMU and WTOP. The 62-year-old covered stories such as the Iran-Contra hearings, the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, the D.C. sniper shootings and other local and national news events.
Ward was deeply loved by his family, friends, and colleagues
When Ward transitioned to television reporting, his first job was at WKBW-TV in Buffalo. He returned to Washington in 2006 and began reporting for News4.
Ward’s family shared heartfelt memories of a man who meant everything to those around him, personally and professionally.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Derrick Ward, Sr., on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, following complications from a recent cardiac arrest. Derrick has been an inspiration and cherished member of our family and his hometown community, as a longtime reporter at News4 Washington, and previously WTOP Radio. As a distinguished journalist, Derrick’s storytelling, prolific writing, warmth, and humor touched countless lives. Our children and our entire family will miss him dearly,” Lydia Sermons said of Ward, according to NBC Washington.
“We ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time, and we extend our gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support. Details regarding his memorial service will be shared in the coming days.”
Ward is survived by his three children, Derrick Jr., Ian and Marisa.
The post Derrick Ward Dies: NBC Washington Reporter And DC Native Was 62 appeared first on Blavity.
