Kara Braxton Cause of Death: Two-Time WNBA Champion Dies at 43 in Atlanta Car Accident

The women's basketball world is in mourning. Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion, All-Star, and 10-season veteran, died following a car accident in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 43 years old — just three days after her birthday on February 18. The WNBA announced the tragic news on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in a post 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."

Kara Braxton Cause of Death: What Authorities Have Confirmed

Emergency responders were dispatched following reports of a serious collision and transported Braxton to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, 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. Authorities have not released verified information about the specific circumstances of the Kara Braxton car accident, and until an official statement is issued, details remain unclear.

Kara Braxton's WNBA Career: A Decade of Dominance

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.

Braxton's two WNBA championships in 2006 and 2008 with Detroit cemented her place among the most decorated players of her era.

From Oregon to Athens: The Making of a Champion

Born in Jackson, Michigan, Braxton was raised in Oregon, where she and her twin sister Kim first made a name for themselves in the late 1990s at Westview High School. The pair went on to continue their basketball careers together at the University of Georgia. Kara was named Class 4A player of the year for her sophomore and junior seasons. In their junior season, the two sisters led the Wildcats to the 4A championship. After her standout years in Portland, Braxton enrolled at the University of Georgia, where she averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game before entering the WNBA Draft.

Tributes Pour In: "Feels Unreal"

Former teammate Plenette Pierson, who played alongside Braxton on both the Detroit Shock and New York Liberty, paid tribute on Instagram, writing: "Karebear… This still feels unreal. I keep replaying memories and conversations because part of me expects to hear your voice again. Losing you hurts in a way words cannot hold."

Pierson thanked Braxton for being a "loving friend" and for showing her what unconditional friendship looks like. "My heart aches over your passing. My heart aches for your boys, your pride and joy, who you lived and worked for every single day." The New York Liberty also issued a tribute, saying Braxton's presence and passion left a lasting impact on the organization and the women's game.

Kara Braxton Is Survived by Her Family

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. She is also survived by her twin sister Kim. At the time of her death, Braxton had been living in Atlanta, where she had remained active in the basketball community as a mentor and advocate for the growth of the women's game. The Kara Braxton car accident investigation remains open, and no additional details are expected from Atlanta Police until the crash reconstruction is complete.