The San Francisco 49ers are giving cornerback Charvarius Ward all the time he needs in the aftermath of his daughter Amani Joy’s death.
Left tackle Trent Williams said on Monday, November 4, that 49ers players have been in touch with Ward as he grieves.
“We all reached out to him,” said Williams, 36. “More than anything we wanted to give him his privacy to deal with things that a lot of us can’t even fathom. Much love. Much prayers. Much respect to him, as always. We all tapped in with him, but we’re all respecting his privacy. Letting him and his family get through a trying time.”
Ward, 28, announced that Amani had died in a heartfelt post via Instagram on Tuesday, October 29.
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“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning,” he wrote. “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 next day, 49ers general manager John Lynch told San Francisco radio station KNBR that the cornerback, nicknamed Mooney, would have as much time as he needs before returning to the team. He did not set a timeline for when that would be.
“He needs to take care of what he needs to take care of,” Lynch said. “We’re in good communication with Mooney. That hasn’t even come up yet because that’s not where we’re at.”
Ward and his girlfriend, Monique Cook, welcomed Amani in November 2022. No cause of death has been announced, but Ward has been open about his daughter’s health problems. Amani underwent heart surgery and had been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Still, Ward called her “the happiest kid I’ve ever been around” in an Instagram post in March, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day.
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“Amani is filled with pure joy & a contagious laugh,” his post read. “My baby makes me smile from ear to ear every time I see her.”
After Amani’s death, the 49ers released a statement offering Ward and Cook their support.
“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” the team shared via Instagram on Wednesday, October 30. “Amani truly embodied true 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.”
