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Derrick Ward, who gained recognition over the years for his appearances on NBC4 Washington (WRC-TV), unexpectedly passed away on January 7, 2025, at 62. He suffered a cardiac arrest, which eventually led to his demise, as per USA Today.
Derrick's family also expressed their grief in a statement shared through WRC-TV, saying that he was always an inspiration for everyone and an important part of his "hometown community." They further stated:
"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."
Derrick Ward's colleagues also paid tribute to him on different platforms. This included Sam Ford, who previously worked at 7NewsDC and CBS News. He added a photo posing with Ward on Facebook, writing that he and Derrick "always enjoyed running into each other on stories." Sam said that there was a time when people believed that he was Ward and added:
"I told Derrick if people mistook me for some reporters, I would be offended. But he was a good looking guy, so I was flattered."
Ward's survivors include his three children, Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa.
Derrick Ward was associated with NBC4 Washington for several years as a reporter: Career and other details explained
Born in Washington DC, Ward became a popular face over the years for covering different stories such as the 2001 attack on the Pentagon. After attending the HD Woodson High School, he completed his higher studies at the University of Maryland and later began working for different radio and television stations.
As revealed in his biography on the official website of NBC4 Washington, Derrick Ward lived in Bowie, Maryland. He was also interested in playing guitar and spent a lot of time doing other activities, such as golf.
Derrick's colleagues even addressed his love for music when they recently paid tribute to him. NBC Washington reporter Mark Segraves shared a picture where Ward was playing a guitar accompanied by some musicians in the background and Segraves said in the caption:
"Derrick Ward was a brilliant writer and journalist who loved reporting on his hometown. Derrick was also a fabulous musician who loved jumping up on stage with his friends."
Furthermore, Derrick had once shared a black-and-white photo on his Facebook page in 2014 where he was spotted holding a guitar. He even witnessed the Washington DC riots in 1968 and addressed his experience while appearing on a 40th-anniversary special that aired on NBC4 Washington, as per Daily Mail.
Derrick Ward's television career started in 2004 when he joined as a general assignment reporter at WKBW-TV. He previously worked at the WTOP News, serving in a similar position between 1998 and 2004. Before coming to television, he was a radio journalist at places like WPFW and WAMU.
He then came to NBC4 Washington in 2006 where he continued working until his recent demise. When he turned 62 last month, Ward took to his Facebook page to express gratitude to all those who sent him birthday wishes.
Ward has also been active on X (formerly Twitter) since 2011 with more than 4,000 followers. However, the page has been inactive since April 2023 for unknown reasons.
