Kara Braxton died on February 21, 2026, after a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 285 in Cobb County, Georgia, she was 43. Police reports and multiple outlets say her car struck a concrete median, and she was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The WNBA and Braxton’s former teams issued statements mourning the loss of a two-time champion, and an investigation by local authorities remains ongoing.
Career in brief
Kara Braxton emerged as a dominant post presence at the University of Georgia, where she was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002, and left college early for the WNBA. The Detroit Shock selected her with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft. Over a 10-season WNBA career, she played for the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. She earned two WNBA championships, in 2006 and 2008, and was named a WNBA All-Star in 2007.
Braxton was a 6-foot-6 center and power forward, known for her strength in the paint and ability to change the matchup for opponents. Across her WNBA career she appeared in 297 games, and averaged roughly 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, figures that reflect a long role as a reserve and spot starter in a competitive league.
Teams and timeline
- College: University of Georgia, 2001 to 2004, SEC honors.
- Draft: 2005, 1st round, 7th pick, Detroit Shock.
- WNBA teams: Detroit Shock (2005 to 2008), Tulsa Shock (2010), Phoenix Mercury (2010 to 2011), New York Liberty (2011 to 2014).
- Overseas: multiple seasons in Europe and Asia, including Polish league championships and recognition as a top player in China.
- Retirement and return to school: after leaving the WNBA, Braxton completed her degree at Georgia, graduating in 2024, and worked in roles outside professional sports, including time at Nike.
On-court legacy and statistics
Braxton’s career mixed team success, individual highs, and long stretches as a role player. Her presence was especially valued in playoff rotations, and she helped the Shock to two titles during an era when Detroit was a WNBA power.
Season range | Team | Role | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
2005 | Detroit Shock | Sixth woman / reserve | WNBA All-Rookie team |
2006 | Detroit Shock | Reserve / contributor | WNBA champion |
2007 | Detroit Shock | Starter | WNBA All-Star |
2008 | Detroit Shock | Contributor | WNBA champion |
2010–2014 | Tulsa, Phoenix, New York | Reserve / veteran presence | Overseas championships and MVP honors in China |
Career totals: approximately 7.6 PPG and 4.7 RPG across 10 WNBA seasons, with near 300 total games played.
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Player,Seasons,Games,PPG,RPG
Kara Braxton,2005-2014,297,7.6,4.7
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Off-court life, controversies, and comeback
Braxton’s life off the court included both difficult moments and efforts at renewal. Early in her career she faced legal problems related to driving while intoxicated, which led to league suspensions. Those incidents were public, and commentators, fans, and teammates reacted with a mix of criticism and calls for support. In later years Braxton returned to school and completed her degree, a move many described as part of a broader attempt to rebuild and focus on family and community.
She is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and two sons, including Jelani Thurman, a college football player who won a national championship at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina in January 2026, and her younger son, Jream.
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton," the league said in a statement, a sentiment echoed by former teams and teammates.
Reactions and perspectives
The immediate reaction to Braxton’s death was grief and remembrance from across the basketball community, including former teammates, coaches, and fans who highlighted her championships, physical presence on the court, and competitive nature. Social media posts from family members and fans emphasized her role as a mother and friend, and many noted her recent graduation as a meaningful late-career achievement.
At the same time, commentary has not ignored the full arc of her life, including earlier legal troubles, and discussions about athlete wellness and accountability have resurfaced. Some advocates called for renewed focus on support systems for players facing off-court challenges, while others emphasized personal responsibility.
What remains under investigation
Local authorities in Cobb County published initial details that the crash involved a collision with a concrete median on I-285 near Cobb Parkway, and that Braxton’s vehicle came to rest on the left shoulder. Police and investigative teams are continuing their work, and officials have asked the public to share any information relevant to the incident. At this writing, toxicology and a full accident reconstruction have not been publicly released.
Remembering Kara Braxton
Kara Braxton’s life and career reflected the complexity of modern professional athletes, she achieved the sport’s highest team honors, faced public struggles, and in later years focused on finishing her education and raising her family. For many fans, she will be remembered for the raw power she brought to the paint, her role in two championship teams, and the human story beyond the box score.
For fans and those seeking more
- Expect official updates from Cobb County law enforcement, the WNBA, and Braxton’s family for further details about the crash and services.
- Tributes and remembrances from former teammates and schools may follow, as organizations plan memorials and honors.
Kara Braxton’s death is a loss to the tight knit world of professional women’s basketball, and while questions remain about the circumstances, the record shows a player who helped win championships, earned an All-Star nod, and later returned to finish the degree she started as a young athlete.