Derrick Ward, Longtime News4 Reporter, Dies — Cause of Death Revealed

The senior reporter's voice was a constant in Washington homes for nearly two decades — now, the community he loved and reported on is mourning his sudden passing.

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 celebrated reporter who dedicated nearly two decades to covering his hometown on NBC4.

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.

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.

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.

Ward's transition to television brought him to WKBW-TV in Buffalo before he returned to his roots in Washington, D.C., joining News4 in 2006. Over the years, he became a trusted voice and 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.

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.

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 read.

Ward's legacy lives on through his three children — 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.

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 shared.

Following decades of impactful journalism, Ward's passing has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from colleagues and friends who admired his professionalism, kindness, and distinct storytelling style. The personal reflections shared online paint a picture of a man deeply respected not only for his work but for his character and warmth.

Ward, who lived in Bowie, Maryland, continued reporting for News4 up until his sudden passing. In addition to his journalistic accomplishments, he cherished spending time with his three children and had a love for music, often playing the guitar during his downtime.

Just weeks before his death, Ward celebrated his birthday, expressing his gratitude in a December 12, 2024, Facebook post that read, "Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Warm feelings."

Tributes from fellow journalists highlight how Ward's approach to reporting was rooted in empathy and curiosity. His NBC Washington colleague, Aimee Cho, shared her grief in a touching Facebook post, describing Ward as a mentor who made everyone feel welcome. "Just heartbroken over the loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Derrick Ward," Cho wrote.

"I loved shadowing him when I was an intern, and learned so much about writing, history, and just life from him. He would come in to work excited to share tidbits like 'today is the 75th anniversary of the battle of the bulge' - I always learned something new from talking to Derrick... Truly a one of a kind gem and the sweetest human. We love you Derrick. Rest easy, friend," concluded the heartfelt note.

Longtime reporter Julie Carey also took to social media to express her admiration for Ward's unique presence in the newsroom. She fondly recalled his ability to bring any story to life — even assignments that others might find mundane.

"The News4 poet. A perpetually nice guy. Those are just a few of [the] ways Derrick Ward is being remembered today," Carey wrote. She noted how Ward's deep understanding of Washington, D.C.'s history made him the station's unofficial historian and praised his thoughtful writing style.

"I loved how he didn't shy away from using big, unusual words in his stories — the kind TV news consultants frown on. But he was a thoughtful writer and used the words that best described whatever he was reporting on," penned Carey.

The memories shared by colleagues also highlighted Ward's unwavering calm demeanor, even under pressure. Carey noted that, despite the hectic nature of live reporting, Ward never seemed flustered. "If he ever got rattled, we never saw it. He was truly special, [an] example for all of us that kindness and success can go together."

Ward's death leaves a noticeable void in the newsroom and among those who worked closely with him.