The 49ers and the football world are mourning the death of a 1-year-old child.

San Francisco cornerback Charvarius Ward announced heartbreaking news Tuesday that his daughter Amani Joy died suddenly.

“She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her cheerful spirit had us smiling from ear to ear,” Ward wrote on Instagram. ‘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, lighting up any room with her smile.”

In an earlier social media post in honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Ward revealed that Amani was born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition that causes developmental delays, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and altered physical characteristics.

Amani’s exact cause of death has not been released.

“Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better,” Ward’s post concluded. “She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We will miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.

The 49ers also released a statement confirming the news.

“The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. 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.”

Ward, an undrafted player out of Middle Tennessee, made his first Pro Bowl in 2023. He spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs, where he won Super Bowl LIV against the 49ers in 2019.