The mayor of a Washington, D.C. suburb has been found dead at 44 years old of an alleged suicide, according to officials.
Kevin Ward, the mayor of Hyattsville, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, January 26th, in an apparent suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His body was reportedly discovered in Fort Marcy Park in McLean, Virginia by United States Park Police officers.
The city released a statement announcing the news of his passing, writing:
“It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward passed away yesterday, January 25, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Mayor Ward was a valued and trusted leader and a fierce advocate for all the people of Hyattsville. We are heartbroken at this loss and extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”
“We ask that you please respect the privacy of Mayor Ward’s family during this time,” the announcement concluded.
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
Ward is survived by his husband and their two adopted sons. Ward’s introduction on his campaign page states: “I am a husband, father, grandfather, and proud resident of Hyattsville.”
City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will be serving as Hyattsville’s Interim Mayor until an election is held.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan mourned the loss of Mayor Ward in a post on Twitter, writing: “The First Lady and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Ward family and the people of Hyattsville as they grieve this tragic loss.”
The First Lady and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward.
We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Ward family and the people of Hyattsville as they grieve this tragic loss.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) January 26, 2022
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.
