San Francisco 49ers star cornerback Charvarius Ward shared devastating news that his one-year old daughter, Amani Joy, tragically passed away Monday morning.
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In a caption under a photo shared on Instagram, Ward wrote: "She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear."
X/@NFL_DovKleiman
Heartbreaking: #49ers star Charvarius Ward announces that his little daughter Amani Joy has passed away.
“My Baby. My Life. My Queen. My Heart. My Everything”
“I’m broken💔💔💔”
He just posted a touching message on IG. @itslilmooney, the entire NFL world is praying for you. pic.twitter.com/rjuxyaXLHI
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 29, 2024
The 28-year-old continued, "She taught us to have patience, trust, and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and bravery. She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile. Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better."
"She will forever be daddy's best friend and mommy's little girl. We'll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy."
Charvarius ward’s daughter has sadly passed away
Sending love and praying for him & his family omg 💔 pic.twitter.com/7X1z9Q1bsR
— ᴀꜱꜱᴀꜱꜱɪɴ 🏀🎭🧗🏽 (@shotbysteph30) October 29, 2024
Amani Joy was born in November of 2022, and the NFL star earlier this year gave a tribute post honoring her on World Down Syndrome Day.
"I used to think Down Syndrome was a handicap but now I realize it is just a gift from God," Ward said. "Being Amani's dad has taught me patience & how to surrender & let things be."
The 2023 Pro Bowler played this past Sunday, and he had seven tackles in the 49ers 30-24 win over the Cowboys. As the team has a bye this week, they will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.
That is, it is unclear if Ward will miss any time, but the 49ers organization have showed their support throughout this difficult grieving process.
The 49ers released a statement Tuesday, giving their sympathies to Charvarius and Amani Joy's mom, Monique.
Sending all of our love and support to Charvarius and Monique ❤️💛#IGYB pic.twitter.com/5umxvMJcnR
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 29, 2024
"The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward's beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh."
"We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time."
