San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward announced on Tuesday that his 1-year-old daughter Amani Joy has died.
Ward announced the news on Instagram alongside a picture of Amani Joy.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,” Ward wrote. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear. 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.”
Ward’s announcement did not note a cause of death. He had previously announced that she was born with a heart condition that required surgery in appearance on his then-teammate Arik Armstead’s podcast last December.
“She was born with two holes in her heart,” Ward told Armstead, per the Mercury News. “The doctor was like, ‘If the holes close up, she’s good.’ One of them closed and the other kept expanding and getting bigger, to the size of a fist. …
“They were like, we have to do the surgery ASAP. That was scary because it’s a real serious surgery. And it’s your kid, you just feel for her, it’s out of your hands, there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Ward had also previously announced on social media that Amani Joy was born with Down Syndrome.
“At first we went through feelings of sadness & anger but those feelings transformed into pure joy as soon as we laid eyes on her,” Ward wrote on March 21, which is World Down Syndrome Day. “She went from heart surgery to the happiest kid I’ve ever been around. Amani is filled with pure joy & a contagious laugh. My baby makes me smile from ear to ear every time I see her.”
The 49ers released a statement on Tuesday in support of Ward and his longtime girlfriend and Amani Joy’s mother Monique Cook.
“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” the statement reads. “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.”
Ward, 28, is a seventh-year NFL veteran. He’s in his third season with the 49ers after spending his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.