NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward, a District native and University of Maryland graduate, died Tuesday from complications stemming from a cardiac arrest. He was 62.

Mr. Ward, who grew up in Marshall Heights in Southeast and along H Street in Northeast, had worked at NBC Washington since 2006 and had also previously worked for WTOP-FM, among other radio stations. 

In his time in radio, Mr. Ward covered Washington metropolitan area stories including the Iran-Contra hearings, 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and the area sniper attacks in October 2002, NBC Washington said in an obituary Wednesday.

He began his work in television at Buffalo ABC affiliate WKBW-TV before returning to the District and working at NBC Washington. 

In a statement to NBC Washington, WTOP-FM and other outlets, Mr. Ward’s family said that “ Derrick has been an inspiration and cherished member of our family and his hometown community … 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.”

NBC Washington said that Mr. Ward “had a way with words and music. He shined when he had a pen, a microphone — or a guitar – in his hands.”

WTOP News President Joel Oxley said that “Derrick Ward was truly an outstanding journalist. 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.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser also wrote a tribute to Mr. Ward on social media.

“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Derrick Ward — a DC native who made a brilliant career out of telling DC’s stories. We’ll miss his writing, his reporting, his deep love of music, & his tremendous kindness and decency. We know his loss will be felt throughout the city,” Mayor Bowser wrote.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.