San Francisco 49ers star Charvarius Ward’s one-year-old daughter passed away Monday.
Amani Joy died just shy of her second birthday after battling heart issues issues since her birth in 2022.
A cause of death was not immediately known.
Ward, a cornerback for the San Francisco organization, confirmed the news of the loss of his ‘beautiful baby girl,’ as he paid tribute in an emotional statement Tuesday afternoon.
‘We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,’ he penned.
‘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.’
‘My baby. God why?’ Ward’s partner, Monique, posted in a heart-wrenching Instagram story.
Amani, who would have celebrated her second birthday on November 17, was born premature with Down syndrome and had suffered with a number of health issues throughout her life.
The tot underwent open-heart surgery on April 11, 2023 – about six months after her birth – after being born with holes in her heart.
Ward opened up on his daughter’s condition last year on his then-teammate Ark Armstead’s podcast.
‘She was born with two holes in her heart,’ Ward told Armstead. ‘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.’
The 49ers franchise also announced the heartbreaking news of Amani’s death Tuesday afternoon, sending ‘love and support’ to Ward and his girlfriend Monique.
‘The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,’ the team’s statement read.
‘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 candidly discussed his daughter’s Down Syndrome, describing it as a gift as he praised Amani’s infectious joy.
‘Amani Joy Ward has been the best blessing I could’ve asked for,’ he posted to Instagram on World Down Syndrome Day in March.
‘I used to think Down Syndrome was a handicap but now I realize it is just a gift from God. Being Amani’s dad has taught me patience & how to surrender & let things be. We couldn’t control whether she had Trisomy 21 but we can control our attitude about it. At first we went through feelings of sadness & anger but those feelings transformed into pure joy as soon as we laid eyes on her. 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. November 17, 2022 a star was born. We love you AMANI JOY.’
The devastating news comes just two days after Ward suited up for the 49ers in a 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium.
The 28-year-old is in his third season in San Francisco and seventh in the NFL after beginning his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.
Ward, who was raised by his mom, Tanya, with his father in prison during his childhood, had previously opened up on his joy at becoming a father.
He credited his growing bond with his bundle of joy to his improvement on the field last season, when he became a first-time Pro-Bowler.
‘It was on my conscience,’ Ward told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan last season. ‘Why can’t I connect to my daughter? This is my seed. I couldn’t connect with her at all, and it was hurting my feelings.
‘It was on my mind a lot. I’m not trying to make excuses, but ever since we got closer, I’ve been balling. Shoutout to God and my daughter for making that relationship good.’
The 49ers enter a bye week off the back of their win over Dallas at the weekend, allowing Ward time to spend with his mourning family. San Francisco will return to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 10.
