Kara Braxton Dies After Atlanta Car Crash
Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton, 43, died after a solo crash on Interstate 285 in Atlanta; police say the crash is under investigation.
Overview
Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion, died at 43 after a solo car crash in Atlanta on Saturday, the University of Georgia and the WNBA said.
According to the Cobb County Police Department, Braxton's 2023 Ford Mustang struck a concrete median on Interstate 285 just after 5 p.m., and she was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The WNBA and the New York Liberty issued statements mourning Braxton, and her son Jelani Thurman posted that he will miss his "queen," while investigators said the crash remains under investigation and seek witnesses.
Braxton was a 10-season WNBA veteran who won titles with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008, was the No. 7 overall pick in 2005, and played for Tulsa, Phoenix and New York during her career.
Police asked anyone with information to contact investigators, and no further cause of death has been announced as authorities continue their inquiry.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally — editorial choices stick to factual obituary details while quoted expressions of grief are source content. They emphasize Braxton’s career milestones (WNBA titles, draft pick, college honors), list teams and stats, and cite league and family social-media statements without evaluative language or selective omission.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Kara Braxton was a two-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008, earned All-Star honors in 2007, was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2005, and was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Braxton's 2023 Ford Mustang struck a concrete median on Interstate 285 in Atlanta just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026; she was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The Cobb County Police Department is investigating the solo crash and seeking witnesses; no cause of death or further details have been announced.
The WNBA expressed profound sadness and thoughts for her family; the New York Liberty mourned her lasting impact; the University of Georgia posted 'Rest in peace Kara.'
She had a son, Jelani Thurman, who posted about missing his 'queen'; she was born with a twin sister Kim; Jelani's father is Odell Thurman.
History
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