Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has died at the age of 43, the league has confirmed.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”
No official cause of death has been publicly released.
However, NBC News reported that Braxton was killed in a “solo car crash.”
According to the report, Braxton was pronounced dead at the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
Championship Career
Braxton, a 6-foot-6 forward, played college basketball at the University of Georgia from 2001 to 2004 before being selected No. 7 overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft.
She made an immediate impact in the league and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in her debut season.
Braxton won two WNBA championships with the Shock in 2006 and 2008.
She remained with the franchise when it relocated from Detroit to Tulsa before later being traded to the Phoenix Mercury.
During the 2011 season, she was traded to the New York Liberty, where she played until retiring in 2014.
An All-Star selection in 2007, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game across her ten-year professional career.
Family Legacy
Athletic success runs in the Braxton family.
Her son, Jelani, was part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship-winning team.
The tight end recently transferred to the University of North Carolina to join head coach Bill Belichick’s program.
Tributes Pour In
The New York Liberty released a statement honoring Braxton’s legacy:
“We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game.”
“Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit.
“Her impact will not be forgotten.”
Braxton’s career spanned nearly a decade in the WNBA, highlighted by championship success, All-Star recognition, and a reputation as a physical presence in the paint.
Further details surrounding her death have not yet been released.
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