20 years after 10-year WNBA veteran Kara Braxton concluded her college career in Georgia, she graduated. “It has always been a goal of mine to come back and finish school, and finish what I started,” she said. “It’s a very exciting time for me right now.” Braxton had completed her lifelong dream. Unfortunately, two years after that wholesome event, the WNBA legend has passed away at 43 years old. 

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton.” Wrote the official WNBA account. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.” However, the cause of death has not yet been released. According to the Oregonian, Braxton suffered a car accident. 

Braxton was drafted No. 7 overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock. Immediately, she made an impact, earning a WNBA All-Rookie team call-up. The 6-foot-6 power forward won championships in 2006 and ’08 with Detroit. After her stint in Detroit, Braxton played for Phoenix for a couple of seasons before moving to the New York Liberty, where she retired in 2014. She has received tributes from each of those franchises. Naturally, the WNBA community is devastated by this loss, and scores of fans and former teammates are sending their prayers. 

Kara Braxton Remembered For Her Grit, Grace, and Championship Legacy

“Oh my gosh, nooooo 😭 I loved her on the Shock,” wrote Auntie Nae, a staple on WNBA courtside. Phoenix Mercury star DeWanna Bonner responded with 2 heartbreak emojis. Braxton played alongside stars like Deanna Nolan, Cheryl Ford, and Katie Smith on one of the WNBA’s most dominant teams of the 2000s. Her energy, size, and willingness to do the dirty work made her a valuable piece of Detroit’s championship core. She averaged 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds during her time in Detroit/Tulsa, even earning an all-star call-up in 2007. 

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“The homie right here. Always love and a good time. A real, genuine friend. No judgment ever. Gonna miss KB big time. Damn sis 💔♥️,” wrote Monique Currie, a 13-year veteran herself. Currie played in a similar time to Braxton, debuting in 2006. While they did not play together, they were healthy competitors and had a working relationship for years. The loss of a compatriot always hits hard. 

“NOOOOOOOOO‼️😭😭😭😣💔 Rest in Peace Kara‼️😭😣💔💔💔,” wrote a fan. “Incredibly sad news. Deep condolences and comfort to her family and friends 💔,” pitched in another. After retiring in 2018, Braxton remained attached to the sports world. She worked with Nike for several years. 

“She has a son, Jelani Thurman, who plays college football. Wishing the best for him and the rest of the family during this time. Being a college athlete in general isn’t easy, let alone with something so tragic to go through.”

Braxton’s oldest son, Jelani Thurman, is a tight end who spent the past three seasons at Ohio State. He won a national title with the Buckeyes in 2024, too, and has since transferred to North Carolina. “Man, she taught me to always go hard, you know, it’s one goal, you know what you need to do,” Thurman said. “Honestly, going to the championships, she’s been to the championships, she’s told me some of the experiences she had and some of the things she had to do to get there, honestly.” She is also survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and their young son, Jream.