Kara Braxton: A Life Remembered
Kara Braxton, a former WNBA star and two-time champion, tragically passed away at the age of 43 following a car accident in Atlanta on Saturday. The news of her untimely death was confirmed by the athletic department at the University of Georgia, where she made her mark during her college basketball career, and was shared widely on social media.
Career Highlights
The 6-foot-6 Braxton had a notable career in the WNBA, playing for a decade with teams such as the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and the New York Liberty. She was particularly renowned for her contributions to the Detroit Shock, where she clinched championships in 2006 and 2008. Braxton was drafted in 2005 as the seventh overall pick and earned All-Rookie Team honors in her debut season by averaging 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Tributes and Memories
In a touching tribute, her son, Jelani Thurman, shared a heartfelt message on social media, reminiscing about their precious moments together and expressing how much he would miss his “queen.” He also posted a nostalgic photo of himself in one of her jerseys.
Thurman, a football player who previously won a national championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes, has since transferred to North Carolina.
Braxton celebrated her birthday just a week prior to her passing, making the news of her death even more heartbreaking for family, friends, and fans alike. The WNBA expressed its condolences on social media, recognizing her as a passionate player who left a significant impact on the league and women’s basketball as a whole.
Legacy and Family
Braxton’s basketball journey included a brief period with the Tulsa Shock after the franchise’s relocation in 2010 and later a trade to the Phoenix Mercury midway through the 2011 season. Her time with the Liberty lasted until 2014, when she was released following just a few games into that year.
In addition to her son, Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and their younger child, Jream. The broader basketball community is mourning her loss alongside her family and former teammates as remembered by various tributes throughout social media.
