Former Phoenix Mercury player Kara Braxton dies at 43

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A former Phoenix Mercury player has passed away at the age of 43, according to the league.

The WNBA announced the death of two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton. Throughout 10 seasons in the league, Braxton played with the Phoenix Mercury, Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock and New York Liberty.

Braxton was drafted seventh overall in 2005 to the Detroit Shock, where she spent five seasons and won two championship titles.

During the 2010 season, Braxton was traded to Phoenix from the Tulsa Shock (formerly Detroit). In 2011, she started 18 games with the Mercury and averaged over 10 points a game and nearly five rebounds.

In the midst of the 2011 season, she was traded from Phoenix to the Liberty, where she finished her WNBA career.

Along with her championship titles, Braxton was also a WNBA All-Star and named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time,” the WNBA shared on social media.

Braxton’s cause of death has not been released.

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