Kara Braxton, former WNBA star passes away at 43
Sep 5, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Kara Braxton (45) reacts on the court against the Seattle Storm during the first half in game two of the western conference finals in the 2010 WNBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. The Storm defeated the Mercury 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The women’s basketball community is in mourning. The WNBA announced this Monday « with deep sadness the passing of Kara Braxton, two-time WNBA champion ». The former Detroit Shock center had just celebrated her 43rd birthday on February 18.
A career marked by two WNBA titles with Detroit
Drafted 7th overall by Detroit Shock in 2005, Kara Braxton (6’6″) quickly established herself as a key piece of the roster. Her contribution was decisive in the franchise’s success, particularly during the victorious campaigns of 2006 and 2008 that crowned Detroit.
Over her 297 WNBA games, Braxton posted solid statistics with averages of 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16 minutes of play. Her performances earned her an All-Star Game selection in 2007, recognition of her status among the league’s best players.
Besides Detroit Shock, the American center had also worn the jerseys of Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty, enriching her resume and experience in the world’s premier women’s league.
Former WNBA player Kara Braxton has passed away. She was 43.
Braxton played 10 seasons in the league for Detroit, Tulsa, Phoenix and New York, winning two championships. pic.twitter.com/vn4OObKADG
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 23, 2026
A rich international career in Europe and Asia
Alongside her WNBA career, Kara Braxton had built a solid reputation on the international scene. She notably played in Europe, spending time with prestigious clubs such as Krakow, Besiktas, Schio, Galatasaray and Ormanspor. Her journey also took her to China with Liaoning and to Russia in Orenburg.
According to Reuters, no cause or place of death has been disclosed regarding the former champion’s passing. The Braxton family also remains connected to high-level sports as her son, Jelani Thurman, plays college football. After three seasons at Ohio State University, he recently joined the University of North Carolina in January.
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