Key Takeaways
- Derrick was married and highly valued his family’s privacy.
- His wife played a crucial supportive role throughout his career transitions.
- His children, now adults, also maintain a very private life.
Derrick Ward, a veteran NBC Washington journalist who tragically passed away due to cardiac arrest on January 7, 2025, was a married man.
Ward led a private life with little public disclosure about his personal affairs, including details about his wife and their marriage date.
His wife, who is seldom mentioned in public records or his reports, was a cornerstone of support throughout his career transitions from radio to television.
She stood steadfast beside him as he covered significant events that affected their local community and had national implications.
Despite the prominence of his career, the specifics of her early and professional life remain unknown, reflecting their mutual respect for privacy.
Together, the couple are blessed with three children: Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa.
As adults, the children have maintained a low profile, much like their mother, with no public records of their professional lives.
Derrick’s wife and their kids have always emphasized privacy and discretion, which has kept them out of the limelight.
His untimely d*ath has left a void in the family and the community he served.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their profound loss and Derrick’s deep impact on their lives and the broader community. It reads:
Derrick has been an inspiration and cherished member of our family and his hometown community.
Via Instagram
The statement further states:
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.
Via Instagram
The loss of Derrick Ward signifies more than just the loss of a seasoned journalist; it marks the passing of a beloved husband and father.
His wife, now widowed, upholds the legacy he leaves behind.
Her role in supporting him through his career and now in preserving his memory underscores the profound partnership they shared.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Derrick completed his education at H.D. Woodson High School and later at the University of Maryland.
- His career in journalism started in radio, where he worked at notable stations, including WTOP, WAMU, and WPFW.
- He reported on critical events, including the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and the sniper shootings in Washington, DC.
