San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward revealed Tuesday that his 1-year-old daughter passed away. No cause of death was given.
Ward’s daughter, Amani Joi Ward, was born premature with Down syndrome and had open-heart-surgery on April 11 of last year.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,” Ward wrote on Instagram. “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.”
The 49ers (4-4) are on their bye week.
Ward, 28, is in his seventh NFL season and third with the 49ers after playing four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He went undrafted out of Middle Tennessee State.
In seven starts this season, Ward has 35 tackles with five passes defended. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season after he had five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and 23 passes defended.
–Field Level Media