Crime & Safety
Kara Braxton, 2-Time WNBA Champion, Dies In Metro Atlanta Crash
A former WNBA player died after her vehicle crashed into a median wall on I-285 in Cobb County, police say.
Updated 3:19 p.m.
COBB COUNTY, GA — A two-time WNBA champion died in a single-vehicle weekend crash on Interstate 285 near Cobb Parkway, police said Monday. College Park resident Kara Brown Braxton Jackson was 43.
She died in the crash that happened around 5:15 p.m. Saturday on I-285 north, south of Cobb Parkway, Cobb County Police said.
Find out what's happening in Mariettafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For an unknown reason, police said Jackson failed to maintain her lane, causing the Ford to crash into the concrete median wall.
The Ford then continued north against the concrete wall until resting on the left shoulder of I-285, police said.
Find out what's happening in Mariettafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Jackson was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said.
"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 WNBA said Monday.
Jackson played center and retired from the league in 2019.
"We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game. Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten," the Liberty tweeted Sunday.
Her son, Jelani Thurman, who plays tight end for the University of North Carolina, shared a series of photos and video clips of his mother via his Instagram story.
"Imma miss my queen," Thurman wrote.
Before being drafted in the first round in 2005, Jackson played for the University of Georgia. She was awarded SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002, when she was named first-team All-SEC and All-SEC Freshman.
She won her championship titles in 2006 and 2008 with the Shock, NBC News reported. In and 2008 and 2009, she tied for fourth place in the Sixth Player of the Year awards while with the Shock.
In addition to the WNBA, Jackson has played for teams in Turkey, China, Israel, South Korea and Russia.
Jackson's death came the same day former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Rondale Moore was shot to death at his Indiana home.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
