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D.C. native and well-known journalist Derrick Ward Sr. died on Tuesday following complications from a recent cardiac arrest, according to a statement from his family and NBC4 Washington.

Ward, a longtime reporter for News4, was 62.

“Derrick was uniquely liked and respected. … The nicest guy, the most dedicated reporter, the most collegial person in the room,” said Tom Sherwood, WAMU 88.5 FM political analyst. “I complained often to him that he was really too nice to be a reporter and he’d just look at me and laugh. Such a good guy, and a good reporter who could get to the heart of any story.”

Ward grew up in Marshall Heights and the H Street corridor in Northeast D.C., an alumnus of HD Woodson High School as well as the University of Maryland. 

His journalism career began in radio with outlets such as WPFM, WAMU, and WTOP, where he covered major news stories over the years, including the Iran-Contra hearings, the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon, and the Washington-area sniper shootings, according to NBC4.

Ward eventually transitioned into broadcast journalism, working with WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, before returning to the District in 2006 and joining the News4 family.

“Derrick was News4’s resident D.C. historian and poet. He had a way with words and music. He shined when he had a pen, a microphone, or guitar in his hands. Derrick loved serving the people of Washington through his reporting. His impact on the community will sorely be missed,” NBC4 said in a .

Ward is survived by his three children — Derrick Jr., Ian and Marisa. His family plans to share memorial information in the coming days, according to their statement.