Superstar footballer Charvarius Ward took to Instagram yesterday, October 29, to share a tear-jerking post disclosing the death of his baby daughter.
The 49ers cornerback, who founded his organization Charvarius for Change in 2021, posted a beautiful photo of his late one-year-old, who smiled as she sat in front of another loved one.
Alongside this image, Charvarius penned a heartfelt message that began by highlighting his devastation over the fact that Amani Joy Ward passed away on Monday morning, October 28, 2024.
Charvarius and Amani Joy Ward in a candid photo. | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
He then expressed, “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.”
Amani Joy Ward | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
The bereaved father, who began his collegiate career at Hinds CC (MS), emphasized how brave and strong his little girl was.
Charvarius and Amani Joy Ward | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
He noted how she overcame adversity at such a young age and lit up every room with her happiness and adorable smile.
Amani Joy Ward | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
Charvarius also spoke about the privilege he and the little girl’s mom, Monique, felt in being her parents and getting to see the world from Amani’s perspective, citing how it changed them for the better.
Amani Joy Ward in a throwback video | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
“She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy,” concluded Charvarius in his caption.
Amani Joy Ward with her mom and dad. | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
In addition to his Instagram dedication, Charvarius shared two posts on his Instagram Story — one displayed a black background with overlaid text that read, “I’m Broken 💔💔💔💔.”
Charvarius Ward’s Instagram Story about the death of his daughter, posted on October 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
His second post showed an adorable photo of Amani dressed in a onesie, with a message written in yellow that stated, “My Baby. My Life. My Queen. My Heart. My Everything 💔💔💔💔💔.”
Charvarius Ward’s second Instagram Story post about the death of his child | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
Like Charvarius, Amani’s bereaved mother, Monique, shared an Instagram Story on her account, in which she penned, “My baby. God why? 💔💔.”
Monique’s Instagram Story post about the death of her baby daughter, posted on October 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/itscmonique
The official Instagram account of the 49ers also took to social media to pen a heartfelt tribute to little Amani and her loved ones.
After they expressed their sorrow, the football team wrote, “Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.”
Amani Joy Ward in a past video. | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
They ended by stipulating that they stand united in grief with the 2023 NFC Pro Bowl player and Monique, to whom they send their love and support.
Charvarius Ward during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Months before her demise, Amani’s dad shared an Instagram carousel of her heartwarming pictures and videos to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2024.
A candid photo of Amani Joy Ward being held by a loved one, posted on March 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
Images ranged from showing Amani smiling and looking curiously at the camera, to touching moments that Charvarius and Monique shared with her.
Monique, Amani Joy, and Charvarius Ward. | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
In the lengthy caption, the charitable father mentioned how much of a blessing Amani was to him and Monique, and confessed to previously thinking Down syndrome was a handicap, before seeing it as “a gift from God.”
Amani Joy and Charvarius Ward with an unidentified loved one. | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
“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,” divulged the NFL star.
Amani Joy Ward eating cake. | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
Charvarius went on to admit that at first, he and Monique experienced sadness and anger; however, those feelings dissipated once they laid eyes on their precious baby girl, who was born on November 17, 2022.
Amani Joy Ward | Source: Instagram/itslilmooney
Toward the end of the message, the football star also disclosed that Amani had undergone heart surgery, and emphasized his and Monique’s deep love for her.
Before her passing, Amani’s parents had set up an Instagram account for her, which has seven posts capturing momentous moments of the sweet girl’s life like when she was born, and a video of her playing with her dad.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to Amani’s grieving parents and loved ones as they mourn their loss.
