hao123The NFL player shares his daughter with girlfriend Monique Cook
Hannah Sacks is a writer/reporter for the Parents team at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since May 2023. Her work has previously appeared in The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, The Pop Insider, and Saratoga Living.
Published on October 29, 2024 03:32PM EDTChavarius Ward announces the death of his 23-month-old daughter. Credit :
Brooke Sutton/Getty; Charvarius Ward/Instagram
Charvarius Ward is mourning the loss of his baby girl.
The San Francisco 49ers cornerback, 28, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29, that his 23-month-old daughter Amani Joy, whom he shares with girlfriend Monique Cook, has died. Sharing a photo of his daughter on his Instagram, Ward wrote that his family is “heartbroken” as they process the tragic news.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning. She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear,” Ward wrote in the caption.
“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.”
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“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,” he ended his post.
The 49ers also released a statement on Instagram, sending love and support to Ward and Cook.
“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” they wrote. “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.”
This past March, Ward shared a carousel of photos of his daughter as he celebrated World Down Syndrome Day.
“Amani Joy Ward has been the best blessing I could’ve asked for. I used to think Down Syndrome was a handicap but now I realize it is just a gift from God,” Ward wrote in his post.
“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.”
Noting that his feelings of sadness and anger transformed into joy, Ward added that she also went through heart surgery after being diagnosed with down syndrome.
“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.
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