NBC Washington has announced the passing of reporter Derrick Ward at the age of 62 on Tuesday, January 6, due to complications from cardiac arrest.
A D.C. native who grew up in Marshall Heights and the H Street Corridor, Ward began his journalism career in radio, covering major events such as the Iran-Contra hearings and the 9/11 Pentagon attack. He later transitioned to television, starting at WKBW-TV in Buffalo before returning to Washington in 2006 to report for News4.
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”
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