San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward is “heartbroken” over the painful loss of his daughter, Amani Joy.
In an Instagram post shared Oct. 29, Ward, 28, shared the tragic news with fans, posting a beautiful picture of little Amani, who was 23-months, smiling from ear to ear as she sat on the floor.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning. She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear,” the NFL star, who shares his daughter with girlfriend, Monique Cook, penned. “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.”
Ward ended his emotional post, “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.”
The 49ers also shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, extending their love and support to Ward and Cook.
“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” they wrote. “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.”
Amani was born with Down syndrome and two holes in her heart, according to Ward.
The cause of Amani’s unexpected passing remains uncertain. However, during a December appearance on Arik Armstead’s Third And Long podcast, Ward noted that his daughter was born a month premature and with Down syndrome—a genetic condition characterized by an extra chromosome, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Down syndrome can impact both brain and body development.
Initially, Ward said he was in “shock” and “sad” when he found out about his daughter’s diagnosis.
“But eventually you got to get over it, you know? It turned into happiness and joy. You realize, like, that’s still my kid. She can be a beautiful, normal, little girl,” the football star said at the 15:56 minute mark of the Dec.14, 2023, episode.
Ward and his partner were delivered another challenge when medical officials informed them about two holes in Amani’s heart. One of the hole’s eventually closed up, but the other kept “expanding and getting bigger,” according to Ward. “I think the hole was like the size of a fist,” the 28-year-old athlete revealed.
Amani had to undergo surgery for her condition, which Ward reported was successful, though he described the experience as “scary.” After the procedure, he noted that Amani had been “growing and getting better and better ever since.”
Rest in peace Amani Joy. MadameNoire sends love and light to Ward and his family during this difficult time.
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