The NFL player announced the death of his daughter, whom he shares with girlfriend Monique Cook, earlier this week

Charvarius Ward is speaking out for the first time since announcing the death of his daughter Amani Joy.

On Thursday, Oct. 31, the San Francisco 49ers cornerback, 28, shared a photo of himself and his 23-month-old daughter Amani Joy on his Instagram Stories. In the picture, Ward and his daughter cuddle up together on a couch, with the little girl resting on her dad’s chest.

“My soul is bleeding. I need you Amani. You did not deserve this. 💔💔💔💔,” Ward wrote over the picture, adding the song “Death Ain’t Easy” by Lil Durk.

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Related: San Francisco 49ers’ Charvarius Ward Announces Death of 23-Month-Old Daughter Amani Joy: ‘Heartbroken’

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Ward announced the death of his daughter Amani Joy, whom he shares with his girlfriend Monique Cook. Sharing a photo of his daughter on his Instagram, Ward wrote that his family was “heartbroken” as they processed the tragic news.

“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,” Ward wrote in the caption.

“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,” he ended his post.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Cook spoke out for the first time, sharing a photo on her Instagram Stories with a brief statement.

“My baby. God why ? 💔💔,” Cook wrote. She also reshared Ward’s post from Tuesday, Oct. 29, in which he announced the death of their daughter.