San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward revealed he’s struggling in the tragic aftermath of the death of his 23-month-old daughter.
Ward, 28, posted a picture via his Instagram Story on Thursday, October 31 of himself and his late daughter, Amani, laying on his chest. “My soul’s bleeding,” Ward wrote. “I need you Amani. You did not deserve this. 💔💔💔💔”
The post was soundtracked by Lil Durk’s song “Death Ain’t Easy.”
Ward announced the death of his daughter with an emotional message on Tuesday, October 29.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,” the NFL star shared via 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.”
The post continued, “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.”
Ward and his partner, Monique Cook, welcomed Amani in November 2022.
Cook broke her silence about her daughter’s death on Wednesday, October 30. “My baby. God, why 💔💔?” she wrote via her Instagram Story.
A cause of death for Amani has not been announced, but in a post via Instagram in March, Ward opened up about his daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis.
“Amani Joy Ward has been the best blessing I could’ve asked for,” Ward wrote alongside a picture of Amani. “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.”
Ward continued, “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.”
After Amani’s death was announced, the 49ers organization expressed their condolences on social media.
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The post continued, “We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”
The 49ers are set to return to action on Sunday, November 10, after their bye week, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It has not been announced if Ward will be active.
