Beloved NBC reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62

On January 8, 2025By Littum

NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at age 62 of medical complications.

Ward, Washington DC, died Tuesday of ‘complications from a recent cardiac arrest’ electrical outlet revealed on social media.

“Derrick has been an inspiring and valued member of our family and his hometown community, as a longtime reporter at News4 Washington and formerly WTOP Radio,” Lydia Sermons, a family friend, said in a statement.

‘As a distinguished journalist, Derrick’s storytelling, prolific writing, warmth and humor touched countless lives. Our children and our whole family will miss him dearly.’

Ward began his journalism career in radio work, working at three stations — WPFW, WAMU and WTOP, according to the outlet.

The University of Maryland graduate covered the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon, as well as the Iran-Contra hearings.

He made his television debut at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York before returning to his native DC to work for NBC Washington, also known as News4 Washington, in 2006.

Ward grew up in Marshall Heights and the H Street Corridor in DC. He lived through the 1968 riots and documented his experience on the news network as part of its 40th anniversary coverage, according to the outlet.

NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at age 62 of ‘complications from a recent cardiac arrest’

Ward began his journalism career in radio work, working at three stations – WPFW, WAMU and WTOP. He made his television debut at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York before returning to DC to work for NBC Washington, also known as News4 Washington, in 2006

Some of the latest news Ward covered involved a burning building in DC, a mother honoring her late son who she lost to addiction, and the US Senate.

When he wasn’t telling stories to the people of DC, Ward liked to play the guitar. He even played a concert with the Big Boy Little Band in September 2013.

His last news coverage was published on December 27.

Ward is survived by three children, Derrick Jr., Ian and Marisa.

Many of his former colleagues paid tribute to the dedicated journalist on social media.

With NBC Washington reporter Mark Segraves took to X to write: ‘Heartbroken over the loss of a good friend and colleague. @DerrickWard4 was a brilliant writer and journalist who loved reporting on his hometown.

‘Derrick was also a fabulous musician. RIP bro, we’ll take it from here.’

Investigative reporter for the outlet, Tracee Wilkins, also paid tribute to her colleague, writing: ‘My heart is broken by the loss of my friend. Derrick greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and warm laugh. He was a dedicated father, a wonderful colleague, an excellent journalist and a gifted guitarist. Prayers to his children and loving family.’

In his spare time, Ward likes to play guitar and even played a set with Big Boy Little Band in September 2013 (pictured)

Many of his colleagues took to social media to honor their fellow reporter and his storytelling

Paul Wagner, who also worked with Ward at WTOP in the late 1990s as well as NBC, recalled how he always greeted him with a, ‘Hey, Wags!’ and how it ‘always made me smile’.

‘For the past 4 years @nbcwashington I had a front row seat to his talented and beautiful storytelling.’

NBC reporter Aimee Cho wrote: ‘Just heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Derrick Ward. He was always so nice to me and everyone he met.

‘I loved shadowing him when I was an intern and learned so much about writing, history and life from him. We love you, Derrick.’