The translation of the text is: «WNBA star Kara Braxton has died: tragedy on the road»
24 february 2026 в 00:37
Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and star of the Detroit Shock, passed away on February 21, 2026, as a result of a car accident in Georgia. She was 43 years old. Braxton, who was selected seventh overall in the 2005 draft, had a career that spanned ten seasons and was highly respected for her skills in the paint and contributions to several championship teams.
Learn more about her life, career, and the circumstances of her death below.
Braxton was an American professional basketball player and two-time WNBA champion who played 10 seasons in the league. She won titles with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008, having previously played at Westview High School in Oregon and the University of Georgia before turning professional. Throughout her career, she also played for the Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.
Braxton is survived by her husband Jarvis Jackson, her twin sister Kim, and two sons, including Jelani Thurman, who played college basketball at Ohio State University and became a national champion. Former teammates and friends shared heartfelt tributes following the news of her death, calling her a beloved teammate, proud mother, and a powerful presence both on and off the court.
Former teammate Plenette Pearson posted an emotional tribute to Braxton on Instagram, writing: «It still feels unreal. I constantly recall moments and conversations because a part of me expects to hear your voice again. I miss you in a way that words cannot describe». She thanked Braxton for being «a loving friend and the best partner in fun», - adding that the late WNBA champion showed her «what unconditional friendship looks like». Pearson also expressed sorrow for Braxton’s two sons and her family, writing: «You were more than a teammate. You were family. You were a safe space. You were true love», - promising to «keep her people close» and support her boys.
Braxton died in a car accident on February 21, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, when her vehicle was involved in a crash; she was taken to the hospital, where she later passed away, according to local authorities and news reports.
At the time of her death on February 21, 2026, Braxton was 43 years old
Learn more about her life, career, and the circumstances of her death below.
Braxton was an American professional basketball player and two-time WNBA champion who played 10 seasons in the league. She won titles with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008, having previously played at Westview High School in Oregon and the University of Georgia before turning professional. Throughout her career, she also played for the Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.
Braxton is survived by her husband Jarvis Jackson, her twin sister Kim, and two sons, including Jelani Thurman, who played college basketball at Ohio State University and became a national champion. Former teammates and friends shared heartfelt tributes following the news of her death, calling her a beloved teammate, proud mother, and a powerful presence both on and off the court.
Former teammate Plenette Pearson posted an emotional tribute to Braxton on Instagram, writing: «It still feels unreal. I constantly recall moments and conversations because a part of me expects to hear your voice again. I miss you in a way that words cannot describe». She thanked Braxton for being «a loving friend and the best partner in fun», - adding that the late WNBA champion showed her «what unconditional friendship looks like». Pearson also expressed sorrow for Braxton’s two sons and her family, writing: «You were more than a teammate. You were family. You were a safe space. You were true love», - promising to «keep her people close» and support her boys.
Braxton died in a car accident on February 21, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, when her vehicle was involved in a crash; she was taken to the hospital, where she later passed away, according to local authorities and news reports.
At the time of her death on February 21, 2026, Braxton was 43 years old
© Smirnova Olga
