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

“We are heartbroken to learn that our beautiful little girl, Amani Joy, passed away on Monday morning,” Ward wrote. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for and her joyful spirit had us smiling from ear to ear. She taught us patience, trust and a positive attitude to life. She showed us true strength and bravery.”

“She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up any room with her smile. The privilege of being their parents and seeing the world through their eyes has changed us for the better. She will forever be daddy's best friend and mommy's little girl. We will miss 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'll be fine.' One of them closed and the other continued to expand and grow larger until it reached the size of a fist. …

“They said we have to do the operation as soon as possible. That was scary because it's a really difficult operation. And it’s your child, you just have compassion for it, it’s out of your hands, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“At first we experienced feelings of sadness and anger, but those feelings turned into pure joy as soon as we saw them,” Ward wrote on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. “After heart surgery, she became the happiest child I have ever been with. Amani is filled with pure joy and an infectious laugh. My baby makes me smile every time I see her.”

“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden death of Charvarius Ward’s beloved 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy,” the statement said. “Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to everyone around her with her sweet demeanor and infectious laugh.”

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