Kara Braxton Death: Two-Time WNBA Champion and Detroit Shock Star Dies at 43
The basketball world is in mourning following the sudden death of Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion, All-Star, and 10-season veteran who spent the majority of her professional career with the Detroit Shock. Braxton died on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, following a car accident. She was 43 years old — just three days after her birthday on February 18.
How Did Kara Braxton Die?
Kara Braxton died as a result of a car accident in Atlanta, Georgia. Emergency responders were dispatched following reports of a serious collision and transported Braxton to Grady Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The official cause of death has not been formally released as of Monday, February 23, 2026. The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed the incident is under active investigation, with a full crash reconstruction underway.
WNBA and Former Teams React to Kara Braxton's Death
The WNBA announced Braxton's passing Sunday with a statement on X: "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 New York Liberty also issued a tribute, saying Braxton's "presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women's game."
Kara Braxton's WNBA Career at a Glance
| Career Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| WNBA Draft | No. 7 overall pick, 2005, Detroit Shock |
| Championships | 2006 and 2008 with Detroit Shock |
| All-Star Selection | 2007 |
| All-Rookie Team | 2005 |
| Career Stats (2007) | 6.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG |
| Teams | Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty |
| WNBA Career Span | 2005–2014 (10 seasons) |
Braxton, a 6-foot-6 center-forward, was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft after a standout career at the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002. She was placed on the WNBA All-Rookie team in her debut season, averaging 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game as a key reserve.
A Career of Championships and Global Impact
Braxton's two WNBA championships in 2006 and 2008 with Detroit cemented her place among the most decorated players of her era. After the Shock relocated to Tulsa in 2010, she was traded to the Phoenix Mercury, then moved to the New York Liberty, where she finished her career in 2014. Her impact extended internationally as well — she won two Polish league championships and earned Chinese league MVP honors in 2010.
Following her retirement from professional basketball in 2019, Braxton worked for Nike for several years before relocating to the Atlanta area. She returned to the University of Georgia to complete her degree and officially graduated in 2024.
Kara Braxton's Family and Legacy
Kara Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and two sons — Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson. Jelani Thurman is a tight end who won a national championship with Ohio State in 2024 and has since transferred to North Carolina.
Braxton was born in Jackson, Michigan, and later moved to Beaverton, Oregon, where she attended Westview High School alongside her twin sister Kim, earning Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior. She is remembered across the basketball community as a fierce competitor, devoted teammate, and passionate advocate for the growth of the women's game.
