Who was Mayor Kevin Ward and what was his cause of death?
ON January 26, 2022 it was reported that Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward had died on Tuesday.
Mayor Ward was a two-term city council member who was elected as the mayor in the Maryland community in 2021.
Who was Mayor Kevin Ward and what was his cause of death?
The city reported that Ward died on January 25, 2022 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The 44-year-old was found in Fort Marcy Park on Tuesday.
"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."
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The city stated that more information on a service and remembrances would be shared when they became available.
The city also acknowledged that the information could be difficult for some and offered some resources.
"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."
You're not alone
SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.
There were "more than two and half times as many suicides" in the US than there were homicides, according to the .
For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the "second leading cause of death" and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.
Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.
This is why The-Sun.com launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.
If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, , 1-800-273-TALK
- Crisis Text Line, , Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Hotline, , 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Project, , 1-866-488-7386
What is the community saying about Kevin Ward?
Maryland Bureau Chief for 7News DC, Brad Bell, shared his last moments with Ward via Twitter.
"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," Bell wrote.
The city also tweeted the news of the mayor's passing on Wednesday.
Community members reacted to the tweet: "One never knows the pain and anguish a smile can mask. One never knows the face of suicide until it’s too late. In life always take the time to listen to one who wishes to talk, your attention to what another has to say, may save a life," one user wrote.
"I just had the pleasure of meeting Kevin a few months ago. He seemed very upbeat, level-headed, and committed to Hyattsville's success. Sending deep sympathy to his family and his city," another user wrote.
What is Kevin Ward's legacy in Hyattsville?
Ward was a big advocate for getting vaccines available to his community as Bell tweeted.
The mayor also was working to create more affordable housing for the city of Hyattsville.
Ward was the first openly gay mayor of Hyattsville, he and his husband moved to the Maryland city in 2014.
Ward and his husband have two sons together, .
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