The basketball world is in shock.
Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has died at the age of 43, the league confirmed Sunday, Feb. 22. In a statement shared on X, the WNBA wrote, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton.”
No cause of death has been released.
Braxton built an impressive 10-season career in the WNBA, suiting up for the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty. Known for her strength in the paint and commanding presence on the court, the forward helped lead Detroit to championships and earned All-Star honors in 2007.
Before turning pro, Braxton made waves at the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002. Her talent and drive quickly made her one of the league’s most respected competitors.
In 2009, after winning a WNBA title with Detroit, Braxton even visited the White House, where she met then-President Barack Obama — a milestone moment in a decorated career.
But beyond the trophies and accolades, Braxton was most proud of her role as a mom.
She is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, her twin sister Kim, and her two sons: Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson. Thurman followed his own athletic path, playing football at Ohio State and contributing to the team’s 2024 national championship season.
In the wake of her passing, tributes have flooded social media — especially from those who knew her best.
Braxton’s son Thurman shared emotional posts on Instagram, including a video of his mother leaning over the stands to embrace him after a game — a moment that now carries even deeper meaning.
Former teammate Plenette Pierson also shared a deeply personal message, writing, “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.”
Pierson called Braxton’s sons her “pride and joy” and vowed to continue supporting them, adding that Braxton showed her “what unconditional friendship looks like.”
From championship celebrations to sideline hugs, Kara Braxton’s legacy stretches far beyond the hardwood. She was a fierce competitor, a loyal friend and, above all, a devoted mother.
She was 43.
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