Trent Williams, left tackle for the 49ers, and his wife, Sondra, have shared the heartbreaking news of the death of their newborn son, Trent Jr.
Sondra posted on Instagram on Sunday, revealing that she had lost Trent Jr.’s twin early in the pregnancy and that Trent Jr. was stillborn last month.
“It’s been incredibly hard to process the saddest Hello and Goodbye I’ve ever experienced. Last Sunday night on 11/24/24, I welcomed your lifeless 4lb 8oz, 18.5-inch little body at 11:38pm. At just 35 weeks, your sudden arrival didn’t even give mommy time for an epidural. I’m so thankful to have had Aunt Katina (who also cut your cord) and nurse Hannah by my side,” Sondra wrote, including broken heart and praying emojis.
Trent and Sondra, who share three daughters, faced an immense loss.
“As much as I tried to prepare myself for our meeting, I wasn’t ready, nor would I ever be. After losing your twin early in the pregnancy, I prayed and hoped that the diagnosis of Trisomy 13 wasn’t true, and that it wouldn’t be the fate of my long-awaited beautiful Son-shine,” Sondra continued.
“My firstborn and only son, I’ve always wanted you, but God wanted and needed you more. Knowing you’re in Heaven with your Great-Aunt Vivian and that you will always be our Guardian Angel brings me comfort amid this sorrow. My heart is heavy. Being home without you in my arms has been such an adjustment. The thought of never seeing you grow alongside your sisters fills my eyes with tears.”
Trent Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowler and a three-time first-team All-Pro, has missed the 49ers’ last two games due to an ankle injury. His family’s tragic loss had not been previously shared.
In her Instagram post, Sondra expressed faith that Trent Jr. would continue to watch over them as their guardian angel.
“I can’t even begin to describe how I felt leaving the hospital without you, or how it feels celebrating Thanksgiving at home without my baby in my arms. My heart is broken, and my arms are empty,” Sondra wrote.
“But I know you’ll always be near, watching over me and your sisters. For that, my heart smiles with gratitude. Thank God for allowing us to bond for 35 weeks and for letting me hold you in my arms. I’m at peace knowing you will never have to suffer. Although I will never hear your soft coos and cries or see your beautiful eyes looking up at me, I’m grateful for the time we shared. Madison loved listening to your heartbeat and feeling your movements in my tummy. Trenton O’Brien Williams Jr., my sweet baby boy, we love you, our Forever Angel!”
This marks the second time this season a 49ers player has experienced the tragic loss of a young child. In October, defensive back Charvarius Ward announced the death of his one-year-old daughter.
“We are heartbroken that our beautiful baby girl, Amani Joy, passed away on Monday morning,” Ward wrote on Instagram.
“She was the greatest blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear. She taught us patience, trust, and a positive outlook on life. She showed us true strength and bravery.”