The San Francisco 49ers were struck by heartbreaking news this week, learning that cornerback Charvarius Ward's one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy, had passed away overnight following Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.
On Tuesday, Ward shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: "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."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, speaking on Bay Area radio station KNBR, shared his condolences and reflections on the tragedy.
"Anyone who has a kid, once you have a kid—you don't realize it until you have one—but the day you have it, it becomes your biggest fear in life," Shanahan said. "And to watch it happen to someone we're so close to, I just remember talking to Mooney when he had his daughter Amani two years ago and how excited he was.
"And to have to talk to him yesterday through this tragedy—she was at the game (against the Cowboys on Sunday) and everything, and he put her to bed Sunday night and woke up Monday morning, and it was over. It's everyone's biggest fear, but just to hear it happen to someone is as crushing and devastating as it gets.
"And there really aren't words for it. You've just gotta be there for someone as much as you can be and just help them as much as you can."
You can listen to Shanahan's entire interview below.