{"id":17814,"date":"2025-01-10T01:26:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T01:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=17814"},"modified":"2025-01-10T01:26:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T01:26:53","slug":"derrick-ward-longtime-news4-reporter-dies-cause-of-death-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=17814","title":{"rendered":"Derrick Ward, Longtime News4 Reporter, Dies \u2014 Cause of Death Revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The senior reporter’s voice was a constant in Washington homes for nearly two decades \u2014 now, the community he loved and reported on is mourning his sudden passing.<\/p>\n

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Derrick Ward, a respected journalist and a familiar face on News4, has passed away at the age of 62. He died on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to complications following a recent cardiac arrest. Ward, a proud Washington, D.C. native, was a\u00a0celebrated reporter<\/a>\u00a0who dedicated nearly two decades to covering his hometown on NBC4.<\/p>\n

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\"Derrick<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Derrick Ward is seen in a video dated August 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube\/nbcwashington<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Ward’s deep connection to Washington began in his formative years. Growing up in the Marshall Heights neighborhood and the H Street Corridor in Northeast D.C., he witnessed significant moments in the city’s history, including the 1968 riots. His account of those turbulent times became part of News4’s 40th-anniversary coverage, highlighting his ability to weave history with lived experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Ward attended H.D. Woodson High School before continuing his education at the University of Maryland. His journalism journey started in radio, where he reported for several stations, including WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Throughout his early career, Ward covered some of the most critical events of recent decades, such as the Iran-Contra hearings, the 9\/11 attack on the Pentagon, and the D.C. sniper attacks that gripped the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Ward’s\u00a0transition to television<\/a>\u00a0brought him to WKBW-TV in Buffalo before he returned to his roots in Washington, D.C., joining News4 in 2006. Over the years, he\u00a0became a trusted voice<\/a>\u00a0and presence in local journalism, known for his storytelling, warmth, and keen ability to connect with viewers through his reporting. Beyond his professional achievements, Ward was recognized for his creative talents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Derrick<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Derrick Ward is seen in a video shared on June 19, 2023 | Source: YouTube\/nbcwashington<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Whether it was through his writing, speaking, or playing music, he brought passion and authenticity to everything he did. His ability to engage audiences with sincerity and depth made him a standout figure in the newsroom and his community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In a heartfelt statement from his family, Ward was remembered as a devoted journalist, a caring father, and a treasured member of both his family and his hometown. “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\u00a0read.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Ward’s legacy lives on through his three children \u2014 Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa. His family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from the community and announced that details about his memorial service would be shared soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The statement, issued by Lydia Sermons on behalf of the Ward, Rampersad, and Sermons families, highlighted the profound loss felt by those who knew him. “We ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time, and we extend our gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support,” the family\u00a0shared.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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