By Deborah Bailey
Special to the AFRO

Kevin Ward, Mayor of Hyattsville Maryland was found dead in an apparent suicide on January 25. The City of Hyattsville posted notice on their website the day after the tragic incident.

“It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward passed away,” said a notification sent from the City of Hyattsville, “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,” the post concluded.  

Ward became interim mayor of Hyattsville in late 2020 after his predecessor, Candace Hollingsworth resigned to engage in advocacy work. He was elected to a full term in May 2021. Ward moved to Hyattsville in 2014 after adopting two children and served two terms on Hyattsville’s City Council before becoming Mayor.

Governor Larry Hogan expressed condolences to Ward’s family and the Hyattsville residents via Twitter.

“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.”

Prince George’s County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks also expressed sadness at the news of Ward’s death. “We are so heartbroken and devastated to learn of the passing of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward. Mayor Ward was an outstanding leader for the residents of Hyattsville and deeply loved his City,” she said via Twitter.

The Maryland Black Mayors Association, of which Mayor Ward was a member, expressed condolences in a recent Facebook Post. “It is with great regret and sadness that Maryland Black Mayors Inc. shares the passing of Mayor Kevin Ward, Mayor of the City of Hyattsville on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. The City of Hyattsville and the community aboard lost a trailblazer, “the post read.

News sources report Ward’s body was found by U.S/ Park Police in Fort Marcy Park, McLean, Virginia.

City Council Vice Mayor Robert Croslin will serve as interim mayor.  

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential support for people in distress and resources for those who care about people in crisis. There is a trained counselor always available to anyone who needs to talk. Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 888-273-8255.

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