“We are heartbroken that our beautiful girl, Amani Joy, passed away Monday morning,” Ward wrote. “She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her cheerful spirit made us smile from ear to ear. She taught us patience, confidence and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and courage.

“She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy. She lit up every room with her smile. The privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes changed us for the better. She will always be Dad’s best friend and Mommy’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 up, she’ll be fine.’ One closed and the other continued to expand and grow, reaching the size of a fist. …

“They were like, we have to do the operation as quickly as possible. That was scary because it’s a very serious operation. And it’s your child, you just feel for her, it’s out of your hands, you can’t do anything about it doing.”

“At first we went through feelings of sadness and anger, but those feelings turned to pure joy as soon as we saw her,” Ward wrote on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. “She went from heart surgery to the happiest child I have ever experienced. Amani is filled with pure joy and a contagious smile. 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 everyone around her with her sweet attitude and infectious laugh.

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