Kara Braxton Biography 2026: Age at Death, Husband, WNBA Career Stats, Family & Legacy

Kara Braxton was a powerful force in women’s basketball, a 6-foot-6 center and power forward who helped the Detroit Shock capture two WNBA championships and earned All-Star honors in 2007. Born in Michigan and later shining at the University of Georgia and across multiple WNBA teams, she brought toughness, rebounding skill, and championship pedigree to every court she stepped on. Tragically, the two-time WNBA champion passed away on February 21, 2026, at age 43 following a car accident in Atlanta, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a champion, mother, and role model.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Kara Liana Braxton was born on February 18, 1983, in Jackson, Michigan, and grew up in a large, athletic family alongside her twin sister Kim and four other siblings. Her father played basketball, which sparked her early interest in the sport. She began her high school career at Jackson High School before transferring with her twin to Westview High School in Beaverton, Oregon, where she developed into a standout prospect.

Braxton committed to the University of Georgia, where she made an immediate impact. As a freshman in 2001–02, she earned SEC Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-SEC honors, and averaged 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. Over three seasons (71 games), she posted career college averages of 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field. She graduated in 2005 despite facing team suspensions earlier in her college career for disciplinary reasons.

Career Journey

College Standout & WNBA Draft

Braxton’s dominant college performance led to her selection as the 7th overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock. She entered the league just weeks after giving birth to her first son, Jelani, showcasing remarkable resilience.

Detroit Shock Championship Era (2005–2009)

Braxton quickly became a key contributor for the Detroit Shock, helping the team win back-to-back WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008. In 2007, she earned her lone WNBA All-Star selection and became the team’s starting center. She played 181 games with Detroit/Tulsa across her early career, averaging solid production as both a starter and valuable bench player. Her playoff performances were clutch, including strong showings in the championship runs.

Later WNBA Years (2010–2014)

After time with the Tulsa Shock (2010), Phoenix Mercury (2010–2011), and New York Liberty (2011–2014), Braxton continued to deliver double-digit scoring and rebounding in stretches. She appeared in a total of 297 regular-season games over 10 seasons.

WNBA Career Stats (Regular Season, 2005–2014)

• Games Played: 297 (120 starts)
• Points per game: 7.6
• Rebounds per game: 4.7
• Assists per game: 0.9
• Steals per game: 0.6
• Blocks per game: 0.5
• FG%: 47.5%
• Career totals: 2,247 points, 1,392 rebounds

Playoff Stats (46 games): 7.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG

Overseas Success

Braxton thrived internationally, winning championships in Poland (with TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow in 2005–06 and 2007–08) and China (MVP and champion with Liaoning Hengye in 2009–10). She also played in Turkey and Russia.

Personal Life

Kara Braxton was a devoted mother and wife who balanced a demanding basketball career with family. She married Jarvis Jackson, who remained a constant source of support throughout her playing days and retirement. The couple shared a young son, Jream Jackson (age 5 at the time of her passing).

Her older son, Jelani Thurman (born January 2005), is the child of her previous relationship with former NFL player Odell Thurman. Jelani became a standout tight end at Ohio State University (part of the 2024 national championship team) before transferring to the University of North Carolina in 2026. He has spoken publicly about his mother’s influence on his work ethic and championship mindset.

Braxton is also survived by her twin sister Kim and the rest of her close-knit family. After retiring from the WNBA in 2014, she worked for Nike in Oregon before the family relocated to Atlanta. She cherished quiet family moments and supporting her sons’ athletic journeys.

Dating History
Braxton kept her personal relationships largely private. Her most notable earlier relationship was with Odell Thurman; she later found lasting love and stability with husband Jarvis Jackson.

Controversies

Braxton faced challenges off the court, including two DUI incidents that led to WNBA suspensions. She received a two-game suspension in 2007 after pleading guilty to driving under the influence and missed the first six games of the 2009 season due to a second offense. These issues were addressed publicly, and she continued her career while focusing on personal growth.

Awards & Achievements

• 2× WNBA Champion (2006, 2008 with Detroit Shock)
• WNBA All-Star (2007)
• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2005)
• SEC Freshman of the Year (2002)
• First-Team All-SEC (2002)
• Overseas Championships: Poland (2×), China (1×, with MVP honors)
• Visited the White House with the 2008 champion Shock team in 2009

Physical Statistics

• Height: 6’6″ (198 cm) – one of the tallest players in the WNBA during her era
• Weight: 225 lbs (102 kg)
• Build: Powerful, athletic frame with excellent length and rebounding strength
• Position: Power Forward / Center
• Playing Style: Physical interior presence, strong finisher, and defensive anchor

Quotes

“She taught me to always go hard… she told me some of the experiences she’s had and some of the things she had to do to get there.” — Son Jelani Thurman reflecting on his mother’s championship lessons.

“Her sons were her pride and joy.” — Former teammate Plenette Pierson in a heartfelt tribute.

Earnings

At the time of her passing, Kara Braxton’s estimated net worth was $2–3 million, accumulated through her WNBA salary, overseas contracts, and post-retirement work with Nike. As a top draft pick and champion, she earned a solid income during her 10-year professional career, though WNBA salaries were modest compared to today’s standards.

Interesting Facts

• She gave birth to her first son, Jelani, in January 2005—just months before being drafted into the WNBA.
• Braxton and her twin sister Kim moved across the country together for high school, forging a lifelong bond.
• After basketball, she worked behind the scenes at Nike, contributing to the brand that outfitted so many athletes.
• Her son Jelani followed in athletic footsteps and won a college football national title in 2024.

Did You Know Already?

Kara Braxton became a mother just weeks before her WNBA debut and still earned All-Rookie honors in 2005. She also visited the White House with her championship team to meet President barack obama in 2009.

Social Media Links

While Kara maintained a relatively private personal profile, tributes and legacy content can be found via:

• WNBA Official Instagram & X (search @WNBA for memorials)
• Family tributes on Instagram (search Jelani Thurman or related accounts)
• Legacy coverage on ESPN and WNBA.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Kara Braxton when she died?
Kara Braxton was 43 years old at the time of her passing on February 21, 2026—just three days after her 43rd birthday.

Who was Kara Braxton married to?
She was married to Jarvis Jackson, who survives her along with their young son Jream.

What teams did Kara Braxton play for in the WNBA?
She played for the Detroit Shock (2005–2009), Tulsa Shock (2010), Phoenix Mercury (2010–2011), and New York Liberty (2011–2014).

How many children did Kara Braxton have?
She had two sons: Jelani Thurman (21) and Jream Jackson (5).

What were Kara Braxton’s biggest achievements?
She won two WNBA championships with the Detroit Shock (2006 and 2008) and was named a WNBA All-Star in 2007.

Conclusion

Kara Braxton’s journey from Michigan courts to WNBA glory and family life in Atlanta embodied strength, resilience, and love. Though her life was cut short at 43, her two championship rings, All-Star legacy, and the inspiration she passed to her sons will endure. She will be remembered not only as a fierce competitor but as a proud mother who showed the next generation how to chase greatness.

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