A member of the San Francisco 49ers is mourning the death of their 23-month-old daughter.
Charvarius Ward, a cornerback for the 49ers, announced on Tuesday, October 29 that his daughter, Amani Joy, had died. His daughter, whom he shares with girlfriend Monique Cook, was weeks away from turning two years old.
“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,” Ward wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
According to SFGate, Amani was diagnosed with Down syndrome and a heart defect in utero. She was born five weeks early, and underwent heart surgery before she was six months old.
Earlier this year, Ward dedicated a post on Instagram to his daughter in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day.
“Amani Joy Ward has been the best blessing I could’ve asked for. I used to think Down Syndrome was a handicap but now I realize it is just a gift from God,” he wrote.
“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.”
The 49ers also released a statement in support of Ward and his family.
“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” the team wrote. “Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.”