A Maryland community is mourning the loss of one of its local leaders.
Hyattsville, Maryland, Mayor Kevin Ward died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, on Jan. 25, 2022, the city announced in an official statement.
“Mayor Ward was a valued and trusted leader and a fierce advocate for all the people of Hyattsville,” the city’s statement read. “We are heartbroken at this loss and extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”
A former member of the city council, Ward became the city’s mayor in 2020 when the previous mayor resigned from the position. He was officially elected mayor in May 2021.
The city’s statement also included resources for any community members in need of grief counseling.
“We ask that you please respect the privacy of Mayor Ward’s family during this time,” the statement read.
According to his official website, Ward was a husband and father of two sons. His husband also volunteered in the Hyattsville community for years. Ward wrote in his biography he believed “laughter is the best medicine.”
“I believe that if I can help someone, then I can change her or his life,” Ward’s bio read. “This is why I dedicated my career to providing the best technology to education and human services, to help as many as I can.”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
