Tragic Loss for Basketball World: WNBA Champion Kara Braxton Dies in Georgia Crash
The basketball community is in mourning following the tragic death of two-time WNBA champion and former All-Star Kara Braxton. The 43-year-old athlete passed away on Saturday after a devastating single-car crash in Cobb County, Georgia.
Details of the Fatal Accident
Cobb County Police confirmed that the accident occurred late Saturday afternoon on Interstate 285 near Cobb Parkway. According to official reports, Braxton was driving a 2023 Ford Mustang northbound when she failed to maintain her lane and struck the concrete median wall.
The impact carried her vehicle along the barrier before it came to rest on the left shoulder of the highway. Emergency responders transported Braxton to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities have stated that the crash remains under active investigation by the department's Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Unit.
WNBA and Basketball Community Responds
The WNBA announced Braxton's passing on Sunday with a heartfelt statement expressing profound sadness. "It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton," the league stated. "Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time."
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from across the basketball world, with former teammates, coaches, and fans sharing memories of the talented player.
Family and Personal Life
Kara Braxton leaves behind her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and her two sons. Her son Jelani Thurman, a tight end for North Carolina, publicly shared his grief on social media, posting family photos with the caption "Imma miss my queen!"
Kara Braxton's Basketball Legacy
Braxton built an impressive basketball career spanning more than a decade:
- WNBA Career: Selected No. 7 overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft, Braxton earned All-Rookie honors in her first season. She played crucial frontcourt minutes as Detroit won championships in 2006 and 2008.
- Team History: After her time with Detroit, Braxton played for the Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. Her most productive seasons came with Phoenix, where she averaged more than 10 points per game during parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
- International Play: Braxton extended her professional career by competing overseas in Turkey, China, Israel, Poland, and Italy before retiring in 2019.
- College Success: Before turning professional, Braxton starred at the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002 after averaging 16.3 points and 2.0 blocks per game.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and have asked anyone with information to come forward. The basketball world remembers Kara Braxton not only for her championship achievements but for her strength, dedication, and impact on the sport she loved.
