by -
Nick Wagoner, ESPN editor
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The young daughter of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward has died of heart problems.
Ward posted on Instagram that her daughter, Amani Joy, died Monday morning. She was going to be 2 years old in November.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy, passed away Monday morning,” Ward wrote Tuesday on Instagram. “She was the best blessing we could ask for, and her joyful 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 courage 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 gave us. changed for the better. She will forever be Dad’s best friend and Mom’s little girl. We will miss you and love you forever.
During a December appearance on former teammate Arik Armstead’s podcast, Ward explained that Amani Joy was born with Down syndrome and two holes in her heart, one of which required surgery.
The Niners, who are on a bye this week, said in a statement Tuesday that the organization was “devastated” by his death.
“Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to everyone around her with her sweet demeanor and infectious laugh,” the team said in its release. “We will continue to mourn Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”
Throughout his 2023 season in which he earned his first Pro Bowl nod and was a second-team All-Pro, Ward repeatedly pointed to the birth of his daughter in 2022 as his inspiration .
