San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward and his partner Monique are mourning the devastating loss of their one-year-old daughter Amani Joy, who passed away on Monday.
Amani, who would have turned two on November 17, had been battling heart issues since her premature birth in 2022. She underwent open-heart surgery in April 2023 to repair holes in her heart.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy, passed away on Monday morning,” Ward said in an emotional statement. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear.”
Amani’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
Ward’s partner Monique took to Instagram to express her grief, posting “My baby. God why?”
The 49ers franchise also released a statement, saying, “The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.”
Last year, Ward opened up about Amani’s Down syndrome, calling it a “gift from God.” He praised her infectious joy, saying, “Amani Joy Ward has been the best blessing I could’ve asked for… Being Amani’s dad has taught me patience & how to surrender & let things be.”
Ward credited his growing bond with Amani for his improved performance on the field last season. “Ever since we got closer, I’ve been balling. Shoutout to God and my daughter for making that relationship good,” he told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan.
The 49ers have entered a bye week, allowing Ward time to grieve with his family. They will return to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 10.
