WNBA mourns 2-time champion Kara Braxton’s tragic demise at age of 43

Former New York Liberty Star and 2-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has passed away at the age of 43. The athlete was drafted into the WNBA in 2005 by the Detroit Shock. She eventually moved to the Tulsa Shock, the Phoenix Mercury and finally concluded by being a part of the New York Liberty. According to rumors, she lost her life in a fatal car accident. The WNBA issued a post mourning the tragic demise. However, the cause of death has not been confirmed yet.

Braxton was part of the league for 10 years. During her time with the WNBA, she was part of the championship victory twice. It was in 2006 and 2008. Both times, it was the Detroit Shock and Braxton was a part of the team. It was after 2008 that she moved to the Tulsa Shock.

43-year-old Kara Braxton passes away on February 22, 2026

This is indeed heartbreaking news for the world of basketball. Kara Braxton was one of the most skilled players who led her team to victory multiple times. According to rumors, her cause of death was a fatal car accident. While the cause has not been confirmed yet, the league confirmed the news of her demise through their official social media handles. Posting on X, the WNBA wrote, “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.”


Braxton was drafted as the 7th overall pick by the Detroit Shock. She was known for her powerful presence in the court, along with her physical style of play, relentless rebounding and leadership. Apart from her on-court skills, Braxton was also known for her sweet and kind behavior amongst both her fellow teammates and fans.

What was Kara Braxton’s early life like?

Kara Braxton was born on February 18, 1983, in Jackson, Michigan. She had a twin sister named Kim and they grew up in the same household along with four other siblings. Braxton's interest in basketball stemmed from the fact that even her father played the game. Her freshman year was at Jackson High and later she moved to Oregon. Braxton went to the University of Georgia for college. There, she won the Freshman of the Year award.


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