Former two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton passed away at 43 on February 23.
The WNBA made the devastating announcement online, writing: "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."
As of now, no cause of death has been shared yet.
© Getty ImagesKara's family life
She was married to Jarvis Jackson and the two welcomed Jream Jackson, now five, into the world together. Kara had her older son Jelani Thurman, now 21, with football player Odell Thurman.
Jarvis was always extremely supportive of Kara during her time playing and after she retired from basketball.
After her professional career ended, she worked for Nike in Oregon before the family moved to Atlanta.
Her son Jelani followed in her athletic footsteps and was a football tight end player on Ohio State's team. The team became national champions in 2024. In 2026 he transferred to North Carolina.
© InstagramJelani reposted an interview that he previously did on his Stories, during which he spoke highly about what his mother taught him.
He recalled: "She taught me [to] always go hard. [That] there's one goal – you know what you need to do. Honestly, going to the championship, she's been to the championship [so] she told me some of the experiences she's had and some of the things she had to do to get there."
In another Instagram story he wrote: "Imma miss my queen."
© Getty ImagesKara's tributes
After the tragic news was shared online, friends of Kara's flocked to the comments to pay tribute to her.
One person wrote: "Rest in peace sis. One of the biggest hearts that I have ever known. Lord, please cover the whole family."
A second close friend commented: "We literally just spoke. Made plans for March. I love you friend."
Another friend wrote: "The homie right here. Always love and a good time. A real genuine friend. No judgement ever. Gonna miss KB big time. [Expletive] sis."
© Getty ImagesKara's career
Kara was originally from Michigan and got her start as a basketball player at Jackson High School and then she transferred to Westview High School.
She attended the University of Georgia and in 2005, she was selected by Detroit Shock during the WNBA Draft.
During her time on the team, she won two WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008. Next, she represented the Phoenix Mercury team from 2010 to 2011. Lastly, she played for New York Liberty from 2011 to 2014, and then she retired.
