Kevin Ward, the Mayor of Hyattsville, Md., has passed away. Mayor Ward reportedly died on Jan. 25 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The politician moved to Hyattsville in 2014 with his family and became a Ward 1 council member. While working as a council member, Ward co-sponsored legislation to make Hyattsville a sanctuary city. He became the interim mayor in early 2021 after the resignation of Candace Hollingsworth. He won re-election in May with nearly 60 percent of the vote.
As mayor, Ward supported an initiative to bring a mobile vaccination center to the elderly. He was also the first openly gay Mayor of Hyattsville. The City of Hyattsville announced Ward’s passing on Jan. 26.
“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. cvcpl.us/3VKLL8U.”
Reporter Brad Bell also posted the news about the mayor’s passing and noted his work on creating more affordable housing and expanding the availability of the COVID vaccine.
“Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward has passed,” he wrote. “I last saw him as he worked to expand vaccine availability and create more affordable housing in his community.”
Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward has passed. I last saw him as he worked to expand vaccine availability and create more affordable housing in his community. https://t.co/HhIWlP1ZuR
— Brad Bell (@Brad7News) January 26, 2022
City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will serve as the interim mayor of Hyattsville. Congressman Anthony Brown also sent condolences upon hearing of Ward’s passing.
“My heart is with Mayor Ward’s family and the people of Hyattsville after the loss of this dedicated, thoughtful and fiercely passionate public servant,” he wrote. “If you or someone you know is struggling, you aren’t alone and help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.”
United States Park Police officers reportedly found the mayor after he had shot himself in Fort Marcy in McLean, Va. Ward is survived by two sons and his husband. He was 44-years-old. Ward spoke of his desire to help others improve their lives on his campaign page.
“I believe in doing the work,” he wrote. “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.”
Our condolences go out to Ward’s family.
Individuals in crisis can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to speak with a certified listener at 1-800-273-8255.
