Derrick Ward, a seasoned journalist from Washington, D.C., acclaimed for his comprehensive coverage of events such as the September 11 Pentagon attack and the DC sniper shootings, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The cause of death was complications from a recent cardiac arrest. He was 62 years old.
“Derrick’s storytelling, prolific writing, warmth, and humor touched countless lives,” said Lydia Sermons, a family friend. “He 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,” Sermons stated.
A native of Washington, D.C., Ward grew up in the Marshall Heights and H Street Corridor neighborhoods. His firsthand experiences during pivotal moments in the city’s history, such as the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, were later documented in NBC Washington’s 40th Anniversary coverage.
Ward’s journalism career started in radio, where he gained respect across three major D.C. stations – WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP. At WTOP, he covered significant national stories including the Iran-Contra hearings, showcasing his expertise in complex political reporting.
Ward made his television debut at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, before returning to his hometown to join NBC Washington (News4) in 2006. His coverage of the September 11, 2001 Pentagon attack and the 2002 DC sniper shootings solidified his reputation as a reliable breaking news reporter in the region.
Fellow NBC Washington reporter Mark Segraves wrote on social media, “Derrick 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.”
In his recent work, Ward focused on local community narratives. His final stories included coverage of a burning building in Washington, D.C., a mother paying tribute to her son lost to addiction, and reporting from the U.S. Senate. His last news coverage was published on December 27, 2024.
Investigative reporter Tracee Wilkins mourned the loss of her colleague: “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.”
Alongside journalism, Ward was a talented musician, playing guitar with several local bands. His performance with Big Boy Little Band in September 2013 showcased his musical talents to the community he served as a journalist.
Paul Wagner, a colleague at both WTOP and NBC, fondly remembered Ward’s unique greeting of “Hey, Wags!” Wagner added: “In the last 4 years @nbcwashington I had a front-row seat to his talented and beautiful storytelling.”
Ward leaves behind three children: Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa.