Former WTOP reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 following complications from a cardiac arrest, the reporter’s family has announced.
Ward worked at WTOP, and other radio outlets like WAMU and WPFW, before joining the list of general assignment reports for NBC Washington in 2006.
In a statement, Ward’s family said that he died on Tuesday.
“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. “We ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time, and we extend our gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support.”
WTOP President Joel Oxley released a statement following the announcement of Ward’s death.
“Derrick Ward was truly an outstanding journalist,” said Oxley. “His passion and dedication shown through every day. But what set him apart was what a great person he was. His warmth and caring were evident at every turn. Everybody liked Derrick. I saw why right away. He’ll be missed tremendously.”
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