Kara Braxton, 2-Time WNBA Champion, Dies at 43
Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and former standout with the Detroit Shock, died Saturday in a single-vehicle car crash near Atlanta, authorities confirmed. She was 43.
Cobb County police said Braxton was driving a 2023 Ford Mustang northbound on Interstate 285 just after 5 p.m. when the vehicle struck a concrete median wall.
"The Ford continued in a northerly direction against the concrete wall until coming to rest on the left shoulder of I-285 at Cobb Parkway," police said in a news release.
Braxton was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police said the crash remains under investigation and are asking witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
The WNBA confirmed her death in a statement Sunday.
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the league said. "Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time."
Braxton’s son, University of North Carolina tight end Jelani Thurman, shared a tribute on Instagram. Posting a series of photos of the two together over the years, he wrote, “Imma miss my queen!”
WNBA Career and Championships
Braxton entered the WNBA as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 draft, selected by the Detroit Shock. She quickly became part of a dominant roster led by coach Bill Laimbeer and stars Deanna Nolan and Katie Smith.
The Shock won WNBA championships in 2006 and 2008, with Braxton contributing off the bench as a physical presence in the post. She finished fourth in Sixth Player of the Year voting in both 2008 and 2009.
During her 10-season WNBA career, Braxton also played for the Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty. Her most productive stretch came in Phoenix, where she averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game across parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
When the Detroit franchise relocated to Tulsa in 2010, Braxton remained with the team during its transition. The franchise later moved again and became the Dallas Wings.
After her WNBA career, Braxton continued playing professionally overseas, competing in Turkey, China, Israel and South Korea.
College Career and Return to Finish Degree
Before her professional success, Braxton made her mark at the University of Georgia. She was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002 after averaging 16.3 points and 2.0 blocked shots per game.
Her college career ended abruptly in February 2004 during her junior season when she was removed from the team for undisclosed violations of team policies. That same year, Georgia advanced to the Elite Eight.
Two decades later, Braxton fulfilled a personal goal by returning to complete her degree. She graduated from the University of Georgia in spring 2024.
“It has always been a goal of mine to come back and finish school, and finish what I started," she said in a May 2024 statement released by the school. “It’s a very exciting time for me right now.”
Her graduation marked a milestone in a life defined by both athletic achievement and perseverance.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s crash. Investigators continue to examine the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact Cobb County police.
Braxton’s death prompted tributes across the basketball community, with former teammates, fans and organizations expressing condolences and remembering her impact on and off the court.
She is survived by her son, Jelani Thurman, and extended family.
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