Tennessean staff

Getahn Ward, a longtime business reporter at The Tennessean, died Saturday. City officials, business leaders and colleagues reacted with sadness and memories of the indefatigable veteran journalist.

Here's some of what they had to say.

Mayor Megan Barry

"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."

Sarah Glover, president of the National Association of Black Journalists

One of NABJ's finest members has passed. Heartfelt sympathies to the Nashville chapter and to those that loved Getahn Ward. His light was bright and is surely missed.

Freddie O'Connell, Metro Council member

"Besides being a dogged, relentless journalist who regularly knew things before I did, Getahn was just an overall good guy. I miss his unmistakable voice already."

Will Pinkston, Metro Schools board member and former Tennessean reporter

"Getahn Ward was the most big-hearted, intellectually curious, dogged, knowledgeable reporter I’ve ever worked with. He owned his beat unlike any business reporter in the history of @Tennessean. This is the worst news of the year. We miss you, Getahn."

Kelli Sharpe, assistant vice president of public relations and communications at Tennessee State University, where Ward also worked as a professor

“Our University public relations family is saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Getahn Ward. Our staff had a chance to work with him on numerous stories regarding economic and business development at TSU. He was an excellent reporter who will be sorely missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and colleagues.”

Colby Sledge, Metro Council member and former Tennessean reporter

"Getahn was my first editor and remained a friend over the past decade. He was a dogged reporter who often knew deals in the district before I did. I am stunned and heartbroken."

Nancy VanReece, Metro Council member

"Overwhelmed. — We exchanged text just last night about the developing story for Music City Solar. My heart reaches out to all fiends and family of this dear, diligent and dedicated reporter."