Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock, has passed away at the age of 43, as announced by the league on Sunday.
The details surrounding her death remain unclear.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA stated. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates during this time.”
Braxton was chosen seventh overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft and made the league’s All-Rookie team that same year.
This 6-foot-6 center forward maintained averages of 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds throughout her decade-long career, which included stints with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.
She celebrated championships in Detroit in 2006 and 2008, and stood out by being named an All-Star in 2007.
Ending her career with the Liberty in 2014, she had previously played at the University of Georgia from 2001 to 2004, where she earned the title of SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002.
Braxton’s son, Jelani Thurman, who played tight end at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina earlier this year, expressed his grief on Instagram. He shared heartfelt posts, stating, “I miss my queen,” alongside a photo of him in his mother’s Detroit jersey.
Thurman also shared a clip of an interview with Yahoo Sports discussing the lessons his mother imparted about sports. Along with that, he posted a touching video of them hugging at an Ohio State game, and a picture of her holding him as a baby.
