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

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

‘Derrick has been a source of inspiration and a beloved member of both our family and the community in his hometown. He was a well-respected reporter at News4 Washington and previously at WTOP Radio,’ stated Lydia Sermons, a close family friend.

‘As an esteemed journalist, Derrick’s storytelling, extensive writing, kindness, and humor have had a positive impact on numerous lives. His absence will be deeply felt by our children and our entire family.’

Ward began his journalism career doing radio work and worked at three stations – WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP, according to the outlet. 

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

His television career began at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, and later he made his way back to his hometown of DC to join NBC Washington, also referred to as News4 Washington, in 2006.

Ward grew up in the Marshall Heights and the H Street Corridor of 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 the age of 62 from ‘complications from a recent cardiac arrest’ 

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

Some of the last news stories Ward told 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 residents of DC, Ward liked to play the guitar. He even played a gig with Big Boy Little Band in September 2013. 

His last news coverage was posted on December 27.  

Ward leaves behind three children, Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa. 

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

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

‘Derrick was also a fabulous musician. R-I-P brother, 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 a warm laugh. He was a dedicated dad, a wonderful colleague, a stellar journalist, and a gifted guitar player. Prayers to his children and loving family.’

In his free time, Ward liked 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.’ 

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

NBC reporter, Aimee Cho, wrote: ‘Just heartbroken over the loss of our beloved friend & 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.’