Charvarius Mooney Ward, an American professional football cornerback, is currently grieving the loss of his daughter along with his girlfriend, Monique Cook.
Ward announced that his 23-month-old daughter, Amani Joy, passed away on October 28, 2024.
He penned a lengthy eulogy remembering his baby girl and letting her know that she will always be “Forever be Daddy’s Girl,” irrespective of her physical presence.
Meanwhile, the cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL), Charvarius, and his girlfriend Monique remain away from social platforms amid the ordeal.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward and His Girlfriend Monique Cook Met Each other in 2020
The couple reportedly met in 2020 after Ward won Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL cornerback and Monique‘s romance sparked after exchanging social media texts.
Charvarius confirmed that he messaged Monique after she liked some of his social media posts, and they soon began dating.
The cornerback revealed they bonded over the fact that both were born in Mississippi.
In February 2024, Monique gushed about Charvarius in an interview. She also added that if she is having a bad day, he knows what to say or do to make everything better.
Charvarius and his girlfriend, Monique Cook, welcomed Amani Joy on November 17, 2022. She was born prematurely with Down syndrome.
Regardless, the couple wholeheartedly accepted her and did nothing but give her unconditional love.
Nonetheless, their life turned upside down when Amani breathed her last on October 28, 2024.
Thus far, an official cause of Amani’s passing away has not been released, but Charvarius has been open about Amani’s struggles in the past.
Amani, born prematurely with Down syndrome, underwent heart surgery in April 2023 before she was even 1 year old.
The cornerback announced the tragic news via Instagram on October 29, writing:
We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy passed away on Monday morning. She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous 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. She overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every 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 daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.
Monique also posted about it via her Instagram story shortly after Charvarius’s Instagram post.
The football player said he used to think Down Syndrome was a handicap, but Amani made her realize it is just a gift from God in an Instagram post on World Down Syndrome Day in March.
In December 2023, Charvarius even credited his daughter’s improvement for his success on the field.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Charvarius Ward, born on May 16, 1996, signed a three-year, $40.5 million deal with the 49ers in 2022.
- The couple are welcoming a baby boy on February 2025.
- Charvarius opened up the McComb Auto Spa in his hometown of Mississippi.
