By james art 
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 17: Charvarius Ward #7 of the San Francisco 49ers leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward took to Instagram Monday to announce the tragic passing of his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy.
Joy, who was born prematurely with Down syndrome, struggled with heart problems. She underwent heart surgery last year.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl Amani Joy passed away Monday morning,” Ward wrote on Instagram. “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,” the post continued. “She overcame adversity at an early age and was always happy, lighting 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 her daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl.
On Tuesday, the 49ers released a statement saying “the 49ers family is devastated by the sudden death of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy.”
“Amani truly epitomized true happiness and brought joy to everyone around her with her sweet demeanor and infectious laugh,” the team said. “We will continue to grieve with Harvarius and Monique while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”
About 5,700 babies born in the U.S. each year have Down syndrome, according to the CDC. People with Down syndrome have an average life expectancy of about 47 years, but babies born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect are less likely to survive their first year, the CDC notes.
Half or more of all babies born with Down syndrome have a congenital heart defect, many of which require surgery.