SAN FRANCISCO, California — Charvarius Ward, a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, announced Tuesday that his 23-month-old daughter has died.
Ward said in a post on Instagram that Amani Joy died on Monday. Amani Joy had Down’s syndrome and also had been dealing with heart problems since birth.
“She was the best blessing we could have asked for and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear,” Ward says in the post. “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.”
Amani Joy had two holes in her heart when she was born and had to have surgery in April 2023 to repair one, ESPN reports.
In a statement on Twitter, the 49ers organization said it was “devastated” by the news of Amani Joy’s death.
“Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh,” the statement says. “We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”
Ward, 28, has started all 41 games since signing with the 49ers in 2022 and was voted second-team All-Pro last season.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)