Denver, Colorado – Ward Lucas, a renowned investigative journalist and former 9NEWS anchor in Denver, passed away on Sunday at the age of 75. Lucas, who dedicated more than 30 years to 9NEWS, was widely known for his sharp investigative reporting and significant contributions to Colorado journalism.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Lucas began his broadcasting career in 1974 at KIRO-TV in Seattle. He moved to Denver in 1976 to join 9NEWS, where he quickly made a name for himself through his tenacity and dedication to uncovering major stories. Some of the most notable events he covered included the DB Cooper kidnapping and the Ted Bundy murders. One of his career-defining moments occurred in 1977 when Bundy escaped from the Pitkin County Courthouse in Colorado. Lucas took immediate action, hiring a private pilot and photographer to provide live coverage, bringing national attention to the case.
Throughout his career, Lucas won more than 70 awards, including 11 Emmys. He was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Heartland Emmys in 2008 for his lifetime achievements. Even after retiring in 2009, Lucas continued to impact journalism through his books, including Neighbors at War!, which reflected his wit and storytelling abilities.
Beyond his career, Lucas was also a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness. He served on the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors, motivated by his personal connection to the disease as his father, a World War II veteran, had battled Alzheimer’s for over a decade.
On social media, many expressed their sadness over the news of Lucas’s death. Pam Erickson commented, "This was sad news today. He was always one of the best." Shannon Kennedy added, "He was on our TV regularly when we were growing up. I was saddened to hear of his passing." Deb Hastings Watson shared her thoughts, stating, "You and other FB friends will probably remember this guy. I always thought that he was more professional and impartial than many other local TV personalities."
Ward Lucas leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of journalists, marking him as a pioneer in both local and national reporting.