San Francisco 49ers player Charvarius Ward is grieving the loss of his 23-month-old daughter.
On October 29, Ward, a cornerback for the 49ers, announced that his daughter, Amani Joy, had passed away. Amani, who he shares with his girlfriend Monique Cook, was just weeks from turning two years old.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy, passed away on Monday morning. She was the greatest blessing we could have asked for, and her joyful spirit made us smile so much,” Ward wrote on Instagram.
“She taught us patience, trust, and how to stay positive. She showed us real strength and courage. Even at a young age, she faced challenges but was always happy, brightening every room with her smile.”
According to SFGate, doctors diagnosed Amani with Down syndrome and a heart condition before she was born. She arrived five weeks early and needed heart surgery before she was six months old.
Earlier this year, Ward shared a post on Instagram for World Down Syndrome Day, honoring his daughter.
“Amani Joy Ward has been the best blessing I could’ve asked for. I used to see Down Syndrome as a limitation, but now I know it’s a gift from God,” he wrote.
“Being Amani’s dad taught me patience and acceptance. We couldn’t control her having Trisomy 21, but we can control how we feel about it.”
The 49ers also shared their support, saying, “The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden loss of Charvarius Ward’s beloved daughter, Amani Joy. Amani was pure happiness, bringing joy to everyone with her sweet nature and contagious laughter.”
