Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and former standout at the University of Georgia, has died at 43 following a car crash in Atlanta, according to her alma mater and the league. Her death was confirmed Monday by Georgia’s athletic department in a message to The Associated Press and in a public statement on social media.
Braxton’s passing has prompted tributes from across women’s basketball, reflecting on a career that spanned a decade in the WNBA and left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike. She had celebrated her birthday just a week before the crash.
The WNBA said in a statement Sunday night that it was mourning the loss of a “2x WNBA Champion” whose presence was felt across multiple franchises. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time,” the league said.
A championship career in the WNBA
Braxton entered the WNBA in 2005 when she was selected seventh overall in the draft by the then-Detroit Shock. Standing 6-foot-6, she quickly established herself as a physical presence in the paint. In her rookie season, she averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, earning All-Rookie honors.
She went on to win two league titles with the Detroit franchise in 2006 and 2008, contributing as part of a team that was among the league’s most formidable during that era. The championships placed her among a select group of players to secure multiple WNBA titles.
Over a 10-season professional career, Braxton played for the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty. When the Detroit franchise relocated to Tulsa in 2010, she played part of that season before being traded to Phoenix. She later joined New York in 2011 and remained with the Liberty until 2014, her final season in the league.
The New York Liberty said in a statement that it mourned “the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game.” The message reflected a broader sense within the league that Braxton’s contributions extended beyond statistics.
College standout at Georgia
Before turning professional, Braxton built her reputation at the University of Georgia, where she was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2002. Her collegiate career established her as one of the most promising young centers in the country and helped set the stage for her top-10 draft selection.
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Georgia’s athletic department confirmed her death and publicly expressed its condolences. In college, she became known for her defensive strength and rebounding, attributes that translated into her professional career.
Her path from SEC standout to WNBA champion mirrored the trajectory of a generation of players who helped solidify the league’s competitive foundation in the 2000s. Those years were formative for the WNBA, and Braxton’s teams were among those shaping its identity.
Tributes from family and the basketball community
Braxton’s son, Jelani Thurman, shared a photo on social media of himself as a child wearing his mother’s jersey, writing that he would miss his “queen.” Thurman, who played college football at Ohio State and was part of a national championship-winning team in 2024, has since transferred to North Carolina.
In addition to her son, Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and their young son, Jream.
The WNBA’s statement described her as a “10-season veteran” whose career touched multiple franchises. Messages from former teams highlighted her competitiveness and commitment, qualities that defined her playing style.
While official details about the crash were limited, the confirmation from Georgia and statements from the league established the timeline of her death over the weekend. The circumstances underscore the suddenness with which the sports community lost a player still closely connected to the game.
Legacy within women’s basketball
Braxton’s career coincided with a period of growth and increasing visibility for women’s professional basketball in the United States. As part of championship-winning rosters, she contributed to teams that set standards for physical play and depth in the frontcourt.
Her decade in the league, followed by continued involvement in the basketball community, reflected the long arc of a professional athlete’s influence — one that extends into mentoring, family life and inspiration for younger players.
For many in the sport, Braxton will be remembered not only for her size and skill but also for the resilience required to compete at the highest level over multiple seasons. The tributes that followed news of her death suggest that her presence resonated across locker rooms and fan bases alike.
Funeral arrangements and further details were not immediately released.
Source: AP News – 2-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton dies at 43 after being in a car crash
