Washington DC reporter Derrick Ward dies at age 62: A beloved figure who ‘touched many lives’
Members of the community and family are grieving the loss of a long-time journalist from Washington, D.C., who died on Tuesday.
Derrick Ward Sr., a reporter for NBC4 Washington (WRC-TV) and previously with radio stations WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP, passed away due to complications following a cardiac arrest.
“Derrick was an inspiration and a treasured member of our family and his local community,” his family noted in a statement released by WRC-TV.
“As an exceptional journalist, Derrick’s storytelling, generous spirit, and humor impacted many lives. Our children and the entire family will miss him profoundly,” they added.
WRC-TV also commented on his death, referring to him as the station’s “resident historian and poet of D.C.”
Ward celebrated his 62nd birthday just last month, according to his Facebook page.
‘He thrived with a pen, microphone, or guitar in hand’
Ward attended H.D. Woodson High School and the University of Maryland, later working at local radio stations including WTOP. He transitioned to television, starting at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, before returning to D.C. in 2006 to report for WRC-TV.
As noted by the station, Ward was adept at connecting with people through his writing and music.
“He thrived with a pen, microphone, or guitar in hand,” the station remarked.
Ward experienced numerous significant events in D.C. history, such as the 1968 riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He reported on major incidents including the Iran-Contra hearings, the September 11 attacks, and the Washington sniper attacks, as outlined in his online biography.
Even though his X account has been quiet since 2023, his last update offered insights into his work.
“Descendants of both enslaved people and enslavers come together at Arlington House, the Lee Family Plantation,” Ward posted on April 22, 2023.
His Facebook activity also reflects his passion for music, featuring clips of renowned musicians. His timeline includes performances by Caribbean band Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, soul band Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band, and Cameroonian artist Manu Dibango.
When he wasn’t reporting or making music, Ward enjoyed golfing and spending quality time with his three children: Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa, as reported by WRC-TV.
His family intends to announce memorial details in the upcoming days, according to their statement.
