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Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has died at 43 years old. She died on Saturday in a car crash in Atlanta, according to The Oregonian. Her friends, family and former teammates have shared tributes in her honor.
Kara Braxton has died at age 43
The sad news of Braxton’s death was announced on Sunday evening. The WNBA posted a tribute in her honor shortly after the news broke.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the league wrote on X. “A 10-season veteran, Kara played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”
The New York Liberty also took to social media to share the news and show support toward Braxton’s family.
“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,” the team wrote on X. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”
Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Johnson, and he twin sister, Kim. She is the mother of two sons, Jelani and Jream Thurman, according to KGW8.
Jelani addressed his loss on Instagram, where he posted a video of himself and his mother hugging during a game he played for Ohio State University.
“Imma miss my queen!” he wrote in another Instagram story.
Jelani is continuing in his mother’s footsteps as he took on a collegiate basketball career. He currently plays as a tight end for the University of North Carolina. In January, he transferred to the university after his third season playing for Ohio State University, according to The Independent.
Braxton’s former teammate Plenette Pierson also took to Instagram to share a tribute to her friend.
“Karebear……….This still feels unreal. I keep replaying memories and conversations because part of me expects to hear your voice again. Losing you hurts in a way words cannot hold,” she captioned her Instagram post.
“Thank you for being a loving friend and the best turn up partner. Thank you for showing me what unconditional friendship looks like through your loyalty, honesty, and the way you showed up every time I needed you. You made people feel seen, valued, and protected,” Pierson added. “My heart aches over your passing. My heart aches for your boys, your pride and joy, who you lived and worked for every single day. My heart aches for your mom, Kyle, Kevin, your twin Kimmie, and everyone who loved you deeply. You meant so much to so many.”
Kara Braxton enjoyed a 10-year career in the WNBA
Born in Jackson, Michigan, Braxton played high school basketball for Westview in Portland and in college at the University of Georgia. She joined the WNBA during the 2005 WNBA Draft; she joined the Detroit Shock as a forward/center as the seventh overall pick, according to The Independent.
She went on to win titles with Detroit in 2006 and 2008 and eventually joined the Phoenix Mercury. Braxton started playing for the New York Liberty during the 2011 season and finished her WNBA career in 2014, according to ESPN.
In 2007, Braxton was named an All-Star; she averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds across her 10 years playing for the league. Braxton then went on to play overseas in Turkey, China, Israel and Korea, according to NBC News.
After retiring from basketball, she worked for Nike in Oregon and eventually moved to Atlanta.
