ATLANTA, Georgia — Kara Braxton, a celebrated forward who won two WNBA championships with the Detroit Shock and played a decade in the league, died in a car accident on Saturday at the age of 43, according to a report by The Oregonian. The incident occurred in Atlanta, where Braxton had recently relocated, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievement and personal resilience that spanned high school, college, and professional basketball.
The Women’s National Basketball Association confirmed Braxton’s passing in a statement released on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of its prominent alumni. “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the league stated. “A 10-season 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 New York Liberty, where Braxton concluded her WNBA career in 2014, also issued a statement honoring her contributions. “We mourn 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 team said. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”
Braxton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the basketball community, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in women’s sports. University of Georgia women’s basketball, where she starred from 2001 to 2004, posted on social media: “Rest in peace Kara. Georgia mourns the loss of former Lady Bulldog Kara Braxton, who played from 2002-04.” Former coach Andy Landers, who oversaw her collegiate career, reflected on her journey in a previous interview, saying, “I loved the kid. It makes me feel good to know that she’s come back and finished what she started.”
Details surrounding the car accident remain limited, with authorities in Atlanta not immediately releasing further information on the circumstances or any other individuals involved. The Georgia State Patrol is expected to investigate the incident, as is standard procedure for fatal crashes in the state. Braxton’s family has not yet commented publicly on the tragedy.
Born Kara Liana Braxton on February 18, 1983, in Jackson, Michigan, she grew up in a bustling household with her twin sister, Kim, and four other siblings. Her father was also a basketball player, instilling an early passion for the sport in the family. Braxton spent her freshman year at Jackson High School before relocating to Oregon, where she and her sister enrolled at Westview High School in Beaverton.
At Westview, Braxton quickly established herself as a dominant force on the court. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, her height and skill set made her a standout player. She was named the Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior and earned two-time Class 4A Player of the Year honors. Her high school performances drew national attention, paving the way for her recruitment to top collegiate programs.
Braxton’s collegiate career at the University of Georgia was marked by immediate success and later challenges. As a freshman in the 2001-02 season, she led the Georgia Lady Bulldogs in scoring with 16.3 points per game, rebounding at 6.8 per game, blocks at 2.0 per game, and steals at 1.8 per game. Her outstanding debut earned her the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year award, First-Team All-SEC honors, and a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Over three seasons at Georgia, Braxton averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, showcasing her versatility as a power forward and center. However, her time in Athens was not without difficulties. She faced multiple suspensions during the 2002-03 season for violations of team rules, including frequent tardiness to practice. On February 20, 2004, Coach Andy Landers dismissed her from the team, citing repeated infractions.
Reflecting on that period years later, Landers expressed no lingering resentment, emphasizing Braxton’s growth. In a 2024 interview following her graduation from UGA, he said, “I think it says a lot about Kara to understand and appreciate the importance of her education and her degree — for herself but also as a parent.”
Despite the abrupt end to her college career, Braxton pursued her professional aspirations undeterred. She entered the 2005 WNBA Draft and was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Shock. That same year, she gave birth to her son, Jelani Thurman, whose father is former NFL linebacker Odell Thurman. Jelani has since followed in his parents’ athletic footsteps, playing college football as a tight end, most recently transferring to North Carolina after three years at Ohio State.
Braxton’s rookie season in the WNBA was impressive, averaging 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds as a key reserve for the Shock. Her performance earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. In 2006, she contributed to Detroit’s championship run, helping the team secure their second title in franchise history. Braxton averaged fewer minutes that year but remained a vital part of the rotation.
The following season, 2007, marked a high point in Braxton’s career. She was selected as a starter for the Eastern Conference in the WNBA All-Star Game, a testament to her growing influence in the league. Despite facing personal challenges, including a two-game suspension for a DUI offense, she continued to perform on the court.
In 2008, Braxton played a role in the Shock’s third championship victory, solidifying her status as a two-time champion. Her tenure with Detroit extended through 2009, but she faced another suspension at the start of that season for a second DUI, missing the first six games.
The 2010 season brought changes as the Shock relocated to Tulsa. Braxton began the year with the Tulsa Shock but was traded mid-season to the Phoenix Mercury. With Phoenix, she averaged a career-high 11.1 points per game over 13 appearances, along with 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists. The trade showcased her adaptability and continued value as a player.
In 2011, Braxton was traded again, this time to the New York Liberty, where she spent the final four seasons of her WNBA career. Over her time with the Liberty, she averaged 6.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, providing veteran leadership and interior presence. She was waived by the team on May 28, 2014, marking the end of her 10-year WNBA journey.
Throughout her WNBA career, Braxton appeared in 297 games, starting 120, with career averages of 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. Her field goal percentage stood at 47.5 percent, reflecting her efficiency as a post player. In the playoffs, she played in 46 games, averaging 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Beyond the WNBA, Braxton enjoyed a successful international career. She won championships with TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow in Poland during the 2005-06 and 2007-08 seasons. In 2009-10, she was named MVP of the Chinese league while leading Liaoning Hengye to a title. She also played for teams in Turkey and Russia, including Beşiktaş Cola Turka, Galatasaray, Optimum TED, and Nadezhda Orenburg, retiring from professional basketball in 2019.
After retiring, Braxton focused on her personal life and education. She worked for Nike in Oregon before moving back to the Atlanta area. In January 2023, motivated by her son Jelani’s college enrollment, she re-enrolled at the University of Georgia to complete her degree. With assistance from Senior Associate Athletic Director Glada Horvat, she balanced classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays while managing family responsibilities.
Braxton graduated on May 9, 2024, 20 years after her dismissal from the basketball team. She described the experience as fulfilling a long-held goal: “It has always been a goal of mine to come back and finish school, and finish what I started. It’s a very exciting time for me right now.”
Braxton’s life was one of perseverance. From her early days in Michigan and Oregon to her triumphs in the SEC and WNBA, she overcame obstacles including team dismissals, suspensions, and the demands of motherhood. Her return to UGA exemplified her commitment to personal growth, as she noted the evolution of education: “That was an eye-opener. It was like, OK, things are very different from 20 years ago.”
In addition to Jelani, Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and their son, Jream Jackson. Her twin sister, Kim, and extended family also mourn her loss. Tributes from fans and former teammates have flooded social media, with one admirer recalling her fierce presence: “I used to love the battles between Tennessee and Georgia. Kara Braxton was the one player I feared the most against my Lady Vols. She was a force in the paint.”
Another tribute highlighted her broader impact: “From Georgia standout to two-time champ, Kara Braxton embodied resilience and excellence. Her legacy lives on. Prayers for her son and loved ones.”
The basketball world remembers Braxton not only for her on-court accomplishments but for her off-court determination. As a mother, she inspired her sons through her actions, returning to school after decades to set an example. Coach Landers praised this aspect, noting her appreciation for education as a parent.
Braxton’s influence extended beyond statistics. She was a pioneer for tall, versatile post players in women’s basketball, contributing to the Shock’s dynasty in the mid-2000s. Her international success, including MVP honors in China, demonstrated her global appeal and adaptability.
In her post-playing career, Braxton’s work with Nike involved community outreach and youth development, though specifics remain private. Her relocation to Atlanta placed her closer to family and roots in the Southeast, where she had built much of her legacy.
The accident that claimed Braxton’s life underscores the fragility of existence, even for those who seemed invincible on the court. Authorities may release more details in the coming days, potentially including factors contributing to the crash. Meanwhile, the WNBA and her former teams are likely to honor her during upcoming seasons, perhaps with moments of silence or commemorative patches.
As investigations proceed, Braxton’s family faces the difficult task of planning memorials. No funeral arrangements have been announced, but tributes suggest a celebration of her life rather than solely mourning her loss. Her story of redemption — from collegiate dismissal to graduation and professional success — will inspire future generations of athletes.
Braxton’s passing leaves a void in the women’s basketball community, where she was known for her passion and competitive spirit. Fans recall her as a “force in the paint,” while teammates valued her as a uplifting presence in the locker room. The league may consider ways to preserve her memory, such as scholarships or awards in her name.
In the broader context, her death highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in urban areas like Atlanta. While specifics are unavailable, fatal accidents often prompt calls for improved infrastructure and awareness campaigns.
Looking ahead, Braxton’s legacy will endure through her sons’ pursuits and the athletes she influenced. Jelani Thurman, continuing in sports, carries forward her athletic heritage. The WNBA’s growth, partly built on players like Braxton, ensures her contributions remain integral to the sport’s history.
Conclusion
Kara Braxton’s life was a testament to overcoming adversity, achieving excellence, and prioritizing family and education. From her championship wins to her triumphant return to academia, she exemplified resilience. Her untimely death in a car accident at 43 robs the world of a vibrant figure, but her impact on basketball and those who knew her will persist. As the community grieves, thoughts turn to her family and the enduring lessons from her journey.
