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The San Francisco 49ers were rocked by heartbreaking news this week: They learned that cornerback Charvarius Ward’s 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy, had died overnight after 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 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 from 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. “

Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his condolences and thoughts about the tragedy on Bay Area radio station KNBR.

“Anyone who has a child, once you have a child – you don’t realize it until you have one – but the day you have it, it becomes the biggest fear in your life,” Shanahan said. “And seeing it happen to someone so close to us, I just remember talking to Mooney two years ago when he had his daughter Amani and how excited he was.

“And having to talk to him yesterday about this tragedy — she was at the game (Sunday against the Cowboys) and everything, and he put her to bed Sunday night and woke up Monday morning and it was over. This is the biggest thing for everyone.” Fear, but just hearing it happen to someone is as devastating and devastating as it can be.

“And there really are no words for it. You just have to be there for someone as much as you can and help them as much as you can.”

You can listen to Shanahan’s entire interview below.