49ers Community Rallies Around Trent Williams After Loss of Newborn Son
The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with profound grief after the heartbreaking loss of left tackle Trent Williams’ newborn son. Little Trenton O’Brien Williams Jr. passed away on November 24th, just five weeks before his due date.
"My Forever Angel, Trenton O’Brien Williams Jr. It’s been extremely hard trying to process the saddest Hello and Goodbye that I’ve ever had to endure,” Sondra Williams, Trent’s wife, wrote on Instagram.
Trenton was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a rare genetic condition, and the family had also lost a twin daughter earlier in the pregnancy. Sondra shared her profound love and sense of loss, expressing her gratitude for the precious time, however brief, she had with her son.
"“My first born and only son, I’ve always wanted you. But God wanted and needed you more . . . I’m at peace knowing you will never have to suffer. Although I will never hear your soft coos and cries or see those beautiful little eyes staring up at me, I am grateful to God for the time I shared with you.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the devastating news and shared that Trent had the opportunity to meet his son and say goodbye.
"He was at the hospital with her and got to meet him and say bye. Then he had to cremate him on Friday. He’s been dealing with it and working through it. We’re all just trying to be here for him through it all,” Shanahan stated.
Trent Williams was listed as questionable for the 49ers game against the Green Bay Packers on November 24th, ultimately being scratched from the lineup. He was also absent for the team’s game against the Buffalo Bills a week later, officially listed with an ankle injury. This challenging time follows another tragedy that struck the 49ers just last month. Cornerback Charvarius "Mooney" Ward lost his 23-month old daughter, Amani Joy Ward, who had been born with Down syndrome.
Shanahan emphasized the importance of the team’s support system in navigating these incredibly difficult times.
“It’s hard as a coach, it’s hard as a friend, it’s hard as a family member, it’s hard for everybody,” Shanahan said. “But we spend a lot of time together and that’s what’s cool about a football team. Whatever you go through, the good or the bad, we go through it together . . . you can never escape that full grief, but I do think it’s nice for those guys to have another avenue to get on the field, be around their teammates.”
Shanahan expressed pride in Ward for returning to the field and acknowledged the difficult journey both players are facing.
“It was hard and I’m sure he didn’t always want to do it, but he got through the week of practice, got through the game and I think that was a real step for him just going forward with his life,” Shanahan said. “That’s the thing everybody’s got to do in those situations.”
As Trent Williams continues to grieve and heal, the 49ers community stands ready to offer unwavering support.
