THE WNBA The community is mourning the loss of Kara Braxton, a two-time league champion who spent a decade in the pros. The league announced his death on social media and tributes poured in from former teammates and fans who remember his impact on the field.
She was 43 years old.
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Braxton entered the WNBA as the No. 7 pick in the 2005 draft. Detroit selected her out of Georgia, where she had earned SEC Rookie of the Year honors during her college career.
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She made an immediate impression in her first professional season, posting 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while earning All-Rookie recognition. She then helped the Shock win championships in 2006 and 2008, cementing their place in franchise history.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton. A 10-year 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,” the statement said. WNBA shared on X.
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What we know about Kara Braxton’s death
September 5, 2010; Phoenix, Arizona, United States; Phoenix Mercury forward Kara Braxton (45) reacts on the court against the Seattle Storm during the first half in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 WNBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. The Storm defeated the Mercury 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images
Braxton’s cause of death has not been officially confirmed. Oregon live reported that she was involved in a fatal car crash in Atlanta over the weekend, but authorities have not released verified information about the circumstances.
Until an official statement is released, details remain unclear.
Braxton spent his first five full seasons with Detroit, making his only All-Star appearance in 2007 while averaging 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Shock reached the finals that year but fell to the Phoenix Mercury.
The franchise moved to Tulsa in 2010 and traded Braxton to Phoenix. A year later, she was traded to the New York Liberty, where she finished her career after the 2014 season. Over 297 career games, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.
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