MARYLAND-The 44 year old Hyattsville Maryland Mayor was found dead on January 25; according to the city’s release. On the contrary; however, stories are a bit conflicting; as it’s been said he was found in his apartment. Yet other sources say his body was found in a park in McLean, Va. Nontheless, according to NY Daily news; the mayor had “self-inflicted” gun wounds.
“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; Brad Bell of 7NewsDC wrote.
Brad Bell Shares Condolences
“Mayor Ward was a valued and trusted leader; and a fierce advocate for all the people of Hyattsville;” the statement read. “We are heartbroken at this loss; and extend our deepest sympathy to the mayor’s family.”
MD Bureau chief 7 news dc brad bell/ twitter
The Mayor Was Openly Gay
Mayor Ward was a two-term city council member and as a result; was elected as the mayor in the Maryland community in 2021. Thus, many of his peers remember the mayor very fondly. He was seemingly well loved within his community despite the fact that it was no secret that he was an openly gay male.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy called Ward a personal friend who was unafraid “to live his truth as the first openly gay mayor of Hyattsville.”
Ward moved to Hyattsville in 2014; with his boyfriend and their two adopted children. During at which time, he was twice elected to the City Council; and became the interim mayor in the beginning of 2021; when Mayor Candace Hollingsworth resigned. Yet Ward won the mayoral election in May; receiving almost 60% of the vote.
Ward Was A Catalyst In Bringing The Mobile Vax Site To Seniors In The Hyattsville Community
Additionally, State Rep. Alonzo Washington; who worked with Ward to bring a mobile vaccination site to seniors in Hyattsville; as well as other initiatives; described him in a tweet as a “wonderful friend; father, husband; and fierce advocate for the city’s residents.”
“The City knows that Mayor Ward was a well-connected member of our tight-knit community; and that this is difficult news.
“Community members in need of grief counseling or mental health support are encouraged to contact Community Crisis Services, Inc.: dial 211 and press 1 or call 800-273-TALK; or the Affiliated Sante Group crisis support line: 301-429-2185.”
Meanwhile, City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will now serve as the interim mayor.