Tragedy Strikes: 49ers Star Charvarius Ward Mourns the Loss of His One-Year-Old Daughter

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.

San Francisco 49ers star Charvarius Ward's one-year-old daughter passed away Monday
Amani Joy, who was set to turn two in November, is pictured with her mother, Monique

‘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.’

Ward's girlfriend, Monique Cook, shared a heartbreaking post to her Instagram story
Amani was born premature with Down syndrome and had suffered with a number of health issue
The tot underwent open-heart surgery on April 11, 2023

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.

Ward candidly discussed his daughter's Down Syndrome as he praised Amani's infectious joy
The devastating news comes just two days after Ward suited up for the 49ers

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.

Related Posts

VIDEO: Hailee Steinfeld Is Asked To Say 3 Nice Things About The Kansas City Chiefs… Her Response Surprises Everyone!

Josh Allen, Hailee Steinfeld and Patrick Mahomes (Photos by Imagn Images) Actress Hailee Steinfeld, the fiancée of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen , struggled to be “nice” when discussing the archrival Kansas City Chiefs. Hailee Steinfeld has had …

Read more

Caught on Camera! Travis Kelce’s Curious 3-Word Reaction to Meeting Jason and Kylie Kelce’s Newborn Baby

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce (Photos via Twitter) Travis Kelce couldn’t help but instantly fall in love with seeing his newest niece. Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce ’s family became a team of six after the Philadelphia Eagles alum and his wife of six years …

Read more

Speechless Fans: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Dazzles in Pink Bikini During Florida Getaway

By MAX WINTERS Published: 14:58 BST, 1 April 2025 | Updated: 14:59 BST, 1 April 2025 Cowboys cheerleader Anna Kate Sundvold has gone viral after posting a bikini shot from a recent vacation in Florida . The Texas Christian University alum, who starred …

Read more

El Oscuro Secreto de una Antigua Tortura China: Agua, Agonía y la Lenta Caída en la Locura

En los anales de la crueldad humana, pocos métodos de tormento han cautivado la imaginación y el horror colectivos como la tortura china del agua. Este procedimiento, también conocido como «goteo chino», trasciende el simple dolor físico para convertirse en un devastador daño psicológico…

Read more

Bebé Elefante Hace Rabieta en Plena Carretera tras Ser Rechazado por su Madre — Lo que Hace Después Sorprende a Todos

Imágenes adorables muestran a un bebé elefante haciendo un berrinche como un niño malhumorado en Sudáfrica, mientras su madre, imperturbable, sigue caminando por la carretera. El pequeño, revoltoso, se tiró al suelo agitando las patas en el aire con la esperanza de…

Read more

Detiene su Auto en Florida y No Puede Creer lo que Ve Frente a Él: Un Impactante Encuentro con un Águila Atrapada

El departamento del sheriff de Florida fue llamado para rescatar a esta emblemática ave estadounidense. La oficina del sheriff de Florida fue llamada para rescatar a un icónica ave estadounidense, el rheus, que quedó atrapado en la rejilla de un auto. La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Clay, en Florida, compartió…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *