Tragic Loss: 49ers Cornerback Mourns the Death of His Young Daughter.

Charvarius Ward, a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, used Instagram on Monday to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy.

Joy, who was born prematurely with Down syndrome, was struggling with heart problems. Last year, she had open-heart surgery.

“We are devastated that our lovely infant daughter, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,” Ward shared on Instagram. Her presence was a wonderful gift, bringing happiness and smiles to all of us. She instilled in us the values of patience, trust, and positivity towards life.

The post went on to say that she demonstrated genuine courage and bravery. Even in her youth, she conquered challenges and radiated happiness, brightening every space with her smile. Being her parents and experiencing the world from her perspective has positively impacted us. She will always remain her father’s closest companion and her mother’s beloved daughter.

On Tuesday, the 49ers released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the unexpected death of Charvarius Ward’s one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy.

The team expressed that Amani truly epitomized genuine joy and spread happiness to everyone with her kind nature and infectious laughter. “We will stand by Charvarius and Monique, offering our love and support as they continue to mourn during this difficult time.”

The CDC reports that approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. annually. Individuals with Down syndrome typically live to around 47 years old on average, however infants born with both Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect have a lower likelihood of surviving their first year, according to the CDC.

Fifty percent or more of infants born with Down syndrome have a heart defect present from birth, with a significant portion needing surgical intervention.