Veteran D.C. Reporter Derrick Ward Dies at 62

Derrick Ward, a veteran journalist and beloved member of the News4 Washington team, died Tuesday at the age of 62 following complications from a recent cardiac arrest. Ward, a native of Washington, D.C., had a career spanning decades, during which he covered some of the region’s most significant events, including the 9/11 Pentagon attack and the D.C. sniper shootings.

Ward grew up in the Marshall Heights and H Street Corridor neighborhoods of Northeast D.C. He attended H.D. Woodson High School and later graduated from the University of Maryland. His journalism career began in radio, where he worked for WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP before transitioning to television reporting. He joined News4 Washington in 2006 after a stint at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York.

Known for his storytelling and warmth, Ward was a fixture in the D.C. media landscape. Joel Oxley, president of WTOP News and Federal News Network, praised Ward’s dedication and character, saying, “Derrick Ward was truly an outstanding journalist. His passion and dedication shone through every day. But what set him apart was what a great person he was.”

In a statement, Ward’s family described him as an inspiration and cherished member of both his family and the D.C. community. “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.

Ward is survived by his three children, Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa. Details about his memorial service will be announced in the coming days.