Derik Ford, the former Washougal mayoral candidate, has died, according to the Washougal Police Department.
Sgt. Perry Houts of the Washougal police said that information came from the police department in Fairview, Ohio. Houts said he could provide no further information on Saturday. Ford was reportedly out of state and died Friday or sometime overnight Thursday. The cause of death has not been announced.
The restaurateur and businessman declared his candidacy for Washougal mayor earlier this year, but suspended his campaign in mid-September following an arrest. Ford was accused of hitting a family member after an argument. He was charged with fourth-degree assault and pleaded not guilty.
Last week, Ford also pleaded not guilty to additional allegations that he violated a no-contact order in that pending domestic violence case.
A second no-contact order violation allegation against Ford was filed this month after the alleged victim reported receiving more e-mail from Ford about their relationship.
