One of the former top picks in the WNBA Draft has reportedly passed away at the age of 43.
On Sunday it was announced that Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and All-Star with the Detroit Shock, has died. No cause of death has been given at this time, but the league did share some words on the unfortunate loss of one of its longtime players over the weekend.
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Braxton played a decade in the W after starring at Georgia and putting together one of the best prep careers in the history of Oregon high school basketball.
June 3, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; New York Liberty forward Kara Braxton (45) and Indiana Fever center Jessica Davenport (50) battle for position during the second half at the Prudential Center. The Liberty defeated the Fever 87-72. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports© Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
(© Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images)
WNBA releases statement on Kara Braxton’s passing
Taking to X on Sunday, the WNBA’s official account memorialized Braxton and her tremendous career across five teams.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the league said. “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.”
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Kara Braxton’s life and basketball career
Kara starred at Westview High School in Portland, OR where she was ranked the No. 2 player in the nation on the way to leading the Wildcats to a state championship and earning Player of the Year honors.
She then took her talents to Athens, GA where she suited up for the Bulldogs from 2001-2004 and was named the SEC Freshman of the Year before being selected seventh overall by the Shock in the 2005 Draft.
The 6-foot-6 center-forward averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds over the course of her 10-year WNBA career and played a major role in Detroit’s success in the mid-to-late aughts.
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According to KGW8 News, Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis, and twin sister, Kim. She also has two children: Jelani Thurman, who played football at Ohio State, and Jream Jackson.
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© Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images
(© Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images)
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
