San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward announced the tragic death of his 1-year-old daughter Amani Joy on Tuesday.

“We are heartbroken that our beautiful little girl Amani Joy passed away Monday morning,” Ward wrote on his Instagram account. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for and her joyful spirit had us smiling 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.” She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy. 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 and love you forever, Amani Joy.”

The 49ers also released a statement on Tuesday, as Tom Pelissero shared on Twitter/X:

“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.”

Ward, 28, is in his third season in San Francisco and seventh in the NFL after beginning his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.

Just two days ago, Ward played in the 49ers' 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys and recorded seven tackles (five solo, two assists).

This season, Ward has 35 tackles (26 solo), 0.5 sacks and five passes defensed in seven games.

Ward was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2023, his second season in San Francisco. He was also named second team All-Pro after a season in which he recorded 56 tackles and five interceptions for 91 yards.

Ward set a career high with 23 passes defended in 2023. He forced a fumble and recorded two tackles for loss.

In his second year in the NFL, 2019, Ward won his first and only Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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In his NFL career, Ward has played in 97 games (84 starts), recording 10 interceptions, forcing three fumbles and recording one sack.

Ward, a standout at Middle Tennessee State, dropped out of college and signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 2018. On August 31, 2018, the Chiefs acquired Ward in exchange for offensive lineman Parker Ehinger.