Acclaimed NBC Journalist Dies at 62

Longtime Washington, D.C. journalist Derrick Ward passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, succumbing to complications following a recent heart attack. He was 62. Ward was acclaimed for his coverage of significant events, including the September 11 Pentagon attack in 2001 and the DC sniper shootings in 2002.

Lydia Sermons, a family friend, released a statement describing Ward as an inspirational figure in the journalistic community. “Derrick’s storytelling, prolific writing, warmth, and humor touched countless lives,” she said. Ward was a respected reporter for News4 Washington and previously for WTOP Radio.

Ward grew up in Washington, D.C.’s Marshall Heights and H Street Corridor neighborhoods, and he personally experienced significant historical events such as the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. He later documented these experiences for NBC Washington’s 40th Anniversary coverage.

His career in journalism started in radio, where he became a respected voice across three major D.C. stations: WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP. While at WTOP, Ward covered significant national stories, like the Iran-Contra hearings, demonstrating his proficiency in handling intricate political reporting.

Ward transitioned to television reporting at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, before returning to Washington, D.C. to join NBC Washington (News4) in 2006. His coverage of the Pentagon attack and the DC sniper shootings solidified his reputation as one of the region’s most dependable breaking news reporters.

“Derrick was a brilliant writer and journalist who loved reporting on his hometown,” NBC Washington reporter Mark Segraves shared on social media. “Derrick was also a fabulous musician. R-I-P brother, we’ll take it from here.”

In recent years, Ward focused on local community stories. His final reports included the coverage of a burning building in Washington, D.C., a mother paying tribute to her late son who succumbed to addiction, and reporting from the U.S. Senate. His last news coverage was posted on December 27, 2024.

Tracee Wilkins, an investigative reporter, lauded Ward’s dedication, saying, “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.”

Outside his journalistic duties, Ward was a skilled musician and guitarist who performed with several local bands, including a performance with Big Boy Little Band in September 2013, showcasing his musical prowess to the community he reported for.

Paul Wagner, a colleague from both WTOP and NBC, fondly remembered Ward’s signature greeting of “Hey, Wags!” Wagner said it “always made me smile.” He added, “In the last 4 years @nbcwashington I had a front-row seat to his talented and beautiful storytelling.”

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

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