The WNBA community is mourning the loss of Kara Braxton, a two-time league champion who spent a decade in the pros. The league announced her death on social media, and tributes have been pouring in from former teammates and fans who remember her impact on the court.
Braxton entered the WNBA as the No. 7 overall 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.
MORE: Caitlin Clark gives hilarious response to LeBron James’ eating habits
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 went on to help the Shock capture championships in 2006 and 2008, cementing her place in franchise history.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton. 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 WNBA shared on X.
Kara Braxton: Cause of death
The cause of Braxton’s death has not been officially confirmed. Oregon Live reported that she was involved in a fatal car accident in Atlanta over the weekend, but authorities have not released verified information about the circumstances.
Until an official statement is issued, details remain unclear.
New York Liberty forward Kara Braxton dribbles the ball while being defended by Indiana Fever guard Briann January (20) during the first half at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Braxton spent her first five full seasons with Detroit, making her lone All-Star appearance in 2007 when she averaged 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Shock reached the Finals that year but fell to the Phoenix Mercury.
The franchise relocated to Tulsa in 2010 and traded Braxton to Phoenix. A year later, she was dealt to the New York Liberty, where she finished her career after the 2014 season. Across 297 career games, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
OLYMPICS: Final 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Kara Braxton cause of death, how did WNBA champ die at 43? appeared first on The Big Lead.