Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward died Tuesday following complications from recent cardiac arrest per the station. He was 62.
Derrick Ward, a member of the News4 family, died Tuesday following complications from recent cardiac arrest. He was 62. Please join us in sharing love and support with his family. https://t.co/6GNl1WHu0o pic.twitter.com/kTf2FwBdJP
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) January 8, 2025
Per News4:
Ward was a native of the District of Columbia, Ward 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. Ward attended HD Woodson High School and the University of Maryland.
Ward’s journalism career began in radio. He worked for WPFW, WAMU and WTOP, covering major stories such as the Iran-Contra hearings, the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon, and the Washington-area sniper shootings.
When Ward made the move to television reporting, his first job was at WKBW-TV in Buffalo. He returned to Washington in 2006 and began reporting for News4.
In a statement, Ward’s family called him an inspiration and cherished member of his family and hometown.
“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,” the statement read in part.
Ward is survived by his three children — Derrick, Jr., Ian and Marisa.
Statement from Lydia Sermons on the Passing of Derrick Ward, Sr.
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.
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.
The Ward, Rampersad, and Sermons Families
Reactions from some of Ward’s reporting colleagues:
Heartbroken at the loss of a great friend and colleague. @DerrickWard4 was a brilliant writer and journalist who loved reporting on his hometown. Derrick was also a fabulous musician. R-I-P brother, we’ll take it from here. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/7jsElAACVb
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) January 8, 2025
My heart is broken by the loss of my friend. Derrick greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and a warm laugh. He was a dedicated dad, a wonderful colleague, a stellar journalist, and a gifted guitar player. Prayers to his children and loving family 🙏🏽 https://t.co/zByUpq5f1X
— Tracee Wilkins (@TraceeWilkins) January 8, 2025
Derrick and I worked together @WTOP in the late 90’s and later crossed paths for many years as we reported in the city. His greeting of “Hey Wags” always made me smile. In the last 4 years @nbcwashington I had a front row seat to his talented and beautiful story telling. https://t.co/zhcnKTzS7J
— Paul Wagner (@paulcwagner) January 8, 2025
Just heartbroken over the loss of our beloved friend & colleague Derrick Ward. He was always so nice to me and everyone he met. I loved shadowing him when I was an intern, and learned so much about writing, history, and life from him. We love you Derrick https://t.co/ZkLLPBblUy
— Aimee Cho (@AimeeCho4) January 8, 2025
