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By Ashleigh Fields
Special to the AFRO
The Washington, D.C., community is mourning the loss of beloved NBC4 journalist Derrick Ward after his family announced his death on Jan. 8.
“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,” Lydia Sermons issued in a statement on behalf of the family.
“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.”
Ward, 62, was a District native who grew up in the Northeast Marshall Heights neighborhood. He attended HD Woodson High School before eventually enrolling in the University of Maryland.
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He worked in radio for WPFW, WAMU and WTOP before launching a career in broadcast television at WKBW-TV in Buffalo.
In 2006, he joined NBC4 Washington where he worked for over a decade.
“He shined when he had a pen, a microphone, or guitar in his hands. Derrick loved serving the people of Washington through his reporting,” NBC4 wrote in a statement on his passing. “His impact on the community will sorely be missed.”
Those sentiments were echoed by co-workers, family and friends.
“My heart is broken by the loss of my friend. Derrick greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and a warm laugh,” fellow NBC4 journalist Tracee Wilkins said of Ward. “He was a dedicated dad, a wonderful colleague, a stellar journalist, and a gifted guitar player. Prayers to his children and loving family.”
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The team’s White House correspondent, Aaron Gilchrist shared his sadness over the loss.
“In every report, I knew something poetic was coming; when it was over, you felt impressed, informed and a touch smarter. Beyond storytelling, Derrick was like a calm, cool, encouraging big brother who earned your respect,” Gilchrist stated.
Ward is survived by his three children, Derrick Jr., Marisa and Ian. The District’s Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) also lauded the journalist’s storied career.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Derrick Ward — a DC native who made a brilliant career out of telling DC’s stories,” Bowser said in a statement.
“We’ll miss his writing, his reporting, his deep love of music, & his tremendous kindness and decency. We know his loss will be felt throughout the city.”
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Washington’s Black journalists community offered their condolences to those impacted by Ward’s death.
“WABJ (Washington Association of Black Journalists) is saddened to hear about the death of Derrick Ward, a veteran NBC Washington reporter and D.C. native. We offer our condolences to his family,” the organization wrote in an online statement.
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