San Francisco 49ers Star Charvarius Ward Grieves Loss of Daughter

Charvarius Ward of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 5, 2024. Candice Ward/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward and his wife Monique are mourning the loss of their 11-month-old daughter, Amani Joy, who died Monday morning. The couple shared the heartbreaking news on social media, reflecting on the impact their daughter had on their lives during her short time with them.

The 28-year-old cornerback announced Amani’s passing in an Instagram post Tuesday.

“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.”

Amani Joy was born on November 17, 2022, with Down syndrome and faced health challenges early in life, according to an Instagram account created to share her journey. She was born prematurely and underwent open-heart surgery in April 2023.

In his post, Ward emphasized the profound effect Amani had on their lives. “She taught us to have patience, trust, and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and bravery,” he said. “She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile.”

The 49ers organization in their own post said in a statement their thoughts are with the Ward family.

“Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh,” the team said. “We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”

Ward had previously shared his journey as a father to a child with Down syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21. In that Instagram post, he highlighted how his perspective had changed.

“I used to think Down Syndrome was a handicap but now I realize it is just a gift from God,” Ward wrote. “Being Amani’s dad has taught me patience & how to surrender & let things be.”

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This extra chromosome affects how the body and brain develop, potentially causing both physical and mental challenges.

The CDC reports that approximately 1 in every 640 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome, totaling about 5,700 babies annually. Life expectancy for those with Down syndrome has significantly improved over the years, increasing from an average of 10 years in 1960 to about 47 years in 2007.

The agency said babies with Down syndrome often face health challenges. The CDC notes that between 50 percent to 65 percent of all babies born with Down syndrome also have a congenital heart defect, which may require surgery.

Ward, a key player for the 49ers, has started all 41 games since joining the team in 2022 and was voted second-team All-Pro last season. He played nearly the entire game in the 49ers’ recent victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The team is on its bye week this week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News