The 49ers cornerback announces the tragic death of his one-year-old daughter

The 49ers and the football world are mourning the death of a one-year-old child.

San Francisco cornerback Charvarius Ward announced the heartbreaking news Tuesday that his daughter Amani Joy had died suddenly.

“She was the best blessing we could have asked for and her joyful spirit had us smiling from ear to ear,” Ward wrote on Instagram. “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, was always happy and lit up any room with her smile.”

In a previous social media post to mark World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Ward revealed that Amani was born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays, mild to moderate mental retardation and altered physical abilities characteristics.

Amani's exact cause of death has not been revealed.

“The privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better,” Ward's post concluded. “She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We will miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”

The 49ers also released a statement confirming the news.

“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden death of Charvarius Ward's beloved 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to everyone around her with her sweet demeanor and infectious laugh. We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique and send them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”

Ward, an undrafted player out of Middle Tennessee, made his first Pro Bowl in 2023. He spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs, where he won Super Bowl LIV against the 49ers in 2019.