49ers’ Charvarius Ward announces the death of his 1-year-old daughter Amani Joy

“We are devastated that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away Monday morning,” Ward wrote. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for and her joyful 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.

“She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy and lit up any 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 mama’s little girl We will miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”

“She was born with two holes in her heart,” Ward told Armstead, according to the Mercury News. “The doctor said, ‘If the holes close, she’s good.’ One of them closed, and the other kept expanding and getting bigger, to the size of a fist. …

“They said we should do the surgery ASAP. It was scary because it’s a really serious operation. And it’s your child, you just feel for her, it’s out of your hands, there’s nothing you can do know that.”

“At first we went through feelings of sadness and anger, but those feelings turned into pure joy as soon as we saw her,” Ward wrote on March 21, which is World Down Syndrome Day. “She went from heart surgery to the happiest child I’ve ever been with. Amani is filled with pure joy and an infectious laugh. My baby makes me smile from ear to ear every time I see her.”

“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” the statement read. “Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and infectious laugh.

“We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique as we send them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”