Tennessean reporter Getahn Ward has passed away. Reports stated he was 45 years old.
Details on his sudden passing Saturday morning had not been released. According to reports, he had recently been feeling unwell.
Ward was a well-known, long-time reporter with The Tennessean, a professor at Tennessee State University, and the parliamentarian for the National Association of Black Journalists, Nashville Chapter.
This is a very sad day for Nashville. Getahn Ward was the hardest-working reporter in Nashville. He was always chasing tips & gathering info, writing as many as 6 stories a day. My heart goes out to his family & his work family at The Tennessean as they deal with this tragic loss
— Megan Barry (@MayorMeganBarry) December 16, 2017
On Saturday, the NABJ released the following statement:
"It is with great sadness and shock that I inform you that our beloved parliamentarian Getahn Ward passed away this morning at his home.
I am told he had not been feeling well in recent days, but I do not have any further information.
I am heartbroken for Getahn, his mother, extended family and friends, colleagues, and our chapter, which he loved dearly.
Getahn has been a dedicated leader, a passionate mentor, a hardworking journalist, and the backbone of our scholarship efforts over the years. Most importantly, he has been a great person and an amazing friend.
Please keep his family lifted in prayer."