San Francisco 49ers star Trent Williams and his wife Sondra have announced the death of their son.
Williams’ wife Sondra said the couple was initially expecting twins, but lost one of the babies during pregnancy.
In a statement on Instagram on Monday, Sondra wrote: “My Forever Angel, Trenton O’Brien Williams Jr. It has been extremely difficult to process the saddest Hello and Goodbye I have ever had to endure.
‘Last Sunday evening on 24/11/24; I welcomed your lifeless 4 pound, 18.5 inch long body at 11:38 p.m. At only 35 weeks, your impactful and quick arrival didn’t even give mom time to get an epidural. As much as I tried to prepare myself for our meeting, I was not prepared and never would be.
“After losing your twin brother early in the pregnancy, I prayed and hoped that your diagnosis of Trisomy 13 was not true and would not be the fate of my long-awaited beautiful Son-shine. My firstborn and only son, I always wanted you, but God wanted and needed you even more.
“Knowing that you are in heaven with your great-aunt Vivian and that you will always be our guardian angel brings me great comfort in the midst of all this sadness. My heart is heavy.
Sondra Williams, wife of 49ers player Trent, announced the death of their newborn son
Williams pictured last year alongside his partner Sondra and their three daughters
‘Being home without you in my arms was quite an adjustment. Knowing that I will never see you grow older with your sisters brings tears to my eyes.
“I can’t even begin to describe how I felt when I left the hospital without you. Nor what it feels like to celebrate Thanksgiving at home without my baby in my arms. My heart is broken and my arms are empty.’
The couple have three daughters together.
Offensive tackle Williams, 36, was absent from the 49ers’ game against the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday with an ankle injury.
Williams began his career in Washington in 2010, when the Commanders selected him fourth overall in the NFL Draft, before joining the 49ers in 2019.
Williams’ San Francisco teammate Charvarius Ward announced in October that his one-year-old daughter Amani Joy had died.
Ward had revealed last year that his daughter was born with Down syndrome and had two holes in her heart.
“She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her cheerful spirit had us smiling from ear to ear,” Ward said.
Williams’ teammate Charvarius Ward lost his one-year-old daughter earlier this year
‘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 cheerful. She lit up every room with her smile.”
Ward played his first game for the Niners since his daughter died in Sunday night’s loss to the Bills.
San Francisco is back in NFL action on Sunday against the Chicago Bears in California.