DC-Area Mayor Dead By Suicide

This is a sad story and we do not take any pleasure in anyone’s untimely death.

We are simply reporting the news.

Here’s what we know:

It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved #HyattsvilleMayor Kevin Ward passed away yesterday, January 25 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. We are heartbroken by this loss and share our deepest sympathy for the Mayor’s family. https://t.co/nemygRxFmL pic.twitter.com/8ZH33pXsfQ

— City of Hyattsville (@HyattsvilleMD) January 26, 2022

JUST IN: The City of Hyattsville confirms that Mayor Kevin Ward has died by apparent suicide.

If you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please contact @800273TALK to speak with someone.https://t.co/MV84uSzYPB pic.twitter.com/EtJQu2188y

— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) January 26, 2022

From Local ABC7:

Sources confirm to 7News that Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward, 44, died by suicide Tuesday from what the city calls “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

“Mayor Ward was a valued and trusted leader and a fierce advocate for all the people of Hyattsville,” the city said in a statement. “We are heartbroken at this loss and extend our deepest sympathy to the Mayor’s family.

Details about services or remembrances will be shared when they are available.

United States Park Police officers discovered Ward’s body in Fort Marcy, a park located in McLean, Va.

City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will now serve as Hyattsville’s Interim Mayor.

The city announced that community members in need of grief counseling or mental health support are encouraged to contact Community Crisis Services, Inc. by dialing 211 and pressing 1, or by calling 800-273-TALK; or the Affiliated Sante Group crisis support line at 301-429-2185.

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Ward is survived by his husband and two adopted sons. Ward’s introduction on his campaign page reads, “I am a husband, father, grandfather, and proud resident of Hyattsville.”

“I believe in doing the work,” he wrote on his campaign page. “I believe that if I can help someone, then I can change her or his life. This is why I dedicated my career to providing the best technology to education and human services, to help as many as I can.”

https://twitter.com/Suz_7777/status/1486510394613153792

BREAKING: The mayor of Hyattsville, MD has died by suicide. City leaders report Mayor, Kevin Ward died from a self inflicted gunshot wound.
They called him “a trusted leader & fierce advocate for the people of Hyattsville”. pic.twitter.com/WqRT5jZWHr

— Shawn Yancy (@ShawnYancyTV) January 26, 2022

Heartbreaking. Just heartbreaking.

Kevin Ward made history last year as the first gay mayor of Hyattsville, a community I called home for many years.

It appears he died of suicide with a firearm. I’m just gutted for his family and loved ones https://t.co/M4g3vzgfXC

— Kevin Saucedo-Broach (@kevsaucebro) January 27, 2022

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