Kara Braxton, an American professional basketball player, passed away at the age of 43 in a car collision on February 21, 2026.
She is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and her two sons, Jelani and Jream.
Kara Braxton began her freshman season at Jackson High before moving to Oregon, where she and her twin sister enrolled at Westview High School in Portland.
She went on to attend the University of Georgia, earning freshman of the year honors. However, her time with the Lady Bulldogs was rocky. She was frequently late to practice and committed other unspecified rule violations.
After three suspensions during the 2002–03 season, coach Andy Landers dismissed her from the team on February 20, 2004. She remained committed to her education and graduated in 2005.
The Detroit Shock selected Braxton as the seventh overall pick in the 2005 WNBA draft and made an immediate impact, earning All-Rookie team honors. She helped her team to win the WNBA title in 2006.
Unfortunately, Braxton’s career was repeatedly interrupted by legal issues, and her WNBA journey ended when the New York Liberty waived her on May 28, 2014.
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton.
WNBA
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’s Greatest Legacy Lives On Through Her Sons
Kara Liana Braxton’s talent and vibrant spirit left a mark on every court she graced.
Sadly, she passed away at the age of 43, from injuries sustained in a car collision in the Atlanta area.
The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon when Braxton, who was driving alone on Interstate 285, collided with a concrete median wall. Her vehicle continued along the wall before coming to a stop.
She was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
🙏🏾Kara Braxton Thank you for allowing me to be one of your cousins rest In heaven!!!!❤️🙏🏾 everytime we seen each other it was nothing but Love, laughter and hugging 🤗 I pray that God comfort all of you 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Elijah Armstrong Jr
Kara Liana Braxton was born on February 18, 1983, and grew up with her twin sister, Kim, and four other siblings in Jackson, Michigan. Their father, himself a basketball player, nurtured their love for the game.
She is survived by her oldest son, Jelani Thurman, whose father is Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman.
Jelani has carved his own path as a standout athlete and spent three seasons at Ohio State University as a tight end. He was a member of the 2024 National Championship team and recently joined the University of North Carolina.
Moreover, he is a two-time OSU Scholar-Athlete and an Academic All-Big Ten Conference honoree, majoring in sport administration.
Braxton beamed with pride at his achievements on and off the field.
She is also survived by her devoted husband, Jarvis Jackson, and their young son, Jream, who was the light of her life.
Her memory will be forever cherished by her twin sister, Kim, and her four other siblings; her mother; and a wide circle of friends, former teammates, and coaches who were touched by her warmth, resilience, and competitive fire.
I received devastating news this weekend that my youngest sister Kara Braxton had passed away. I am totally devastated and completely crushed, I loved her with all of my heart. I gave you the name of Kara and we shared you with the world. You towered over me but you will always be my little sister. We will take it from here and watch over your sons Jream and Jelani Thurman please keep her twin Kime Bratts her son Kijon Braxton our Mother Christine Brown and brother Kyle Brown in your prayers as we navigate through this very difficult process I appreciate all of the calls, text and emails.
Kevin Brown
A celebration of her life will be held in her hometown of Jackson, Michigan, with details to be announced by the family.
She will be remembered not only as a champion athlete but as a loving mother, wife, sister, and daughter whose legacy will live on through her sons.
Rest In Peace, Kara Liana Braxton.
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