Aaron Boupendza Dies at 28 After Falling From 11th Floor of Apartment Building, President Mourns
- Former Major League Soccer and Gabon national team player Aaron Boupendza has died at age 28 after falling from the 11th floor of an apartment building
- The former CF Mounana striker was playing his club football in the Chinese Super League before the tragic event happened
- The Gabonese President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and others paid tribute to the former Bordeaux star as condolence messages trooped in on social media
Gabon international Aaron Boupendza has passed away at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of an apartment building in China.
When the unfortunate event occurred, the former Al-Shabab star was in China playing for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League.
According to GOAL, the Gabonese international was with his brother when the tragic event took place in his apartment, and the Chinese authorities are still investigating to determine what led to the player's death.
Source: Getty Images
The authorities are expected to question Boupendza's brother to find out if an altercation occurred between them that led to the fall.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Gabon president mourns Boupendza's death
The Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) confirmed the player's demise in an official statement on Wednesday.
"The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China where he was playing for Zhejiang FC," the federation stated.
"Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon."
Gabon President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, released an official statement on his social media page to mourn the death of Boupendza.
"It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic passing of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul."
During his 10-year professional career, Boupendza had a two-year stint in Major League Soccer (MLS), while playing for FC Cincinnati before moving to China. South African star Olwethu Makhanya currently plies his football trade in MLS. He also spent time in France with Ajaccio and Bordeaux, while playing for Hatayspor in the Turkish league.
He also represented Gabon at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and was the top scorer in the Turkish League in the 2020-21 season with 22 goals.
Source: Getty Images
In his 35 appearances for Gabon, he found the back of the net eight with his last goal for his country coming in an international friendly against Guinea. He was not called up when Gabon defeated Benni McCarthy's Kenya in the World Cup qualifiers.
The news of his death will come as bad news for Zhejiang FC, as he's already delivering for them in terms of goals. He scored four goals and assisted two in just six matches this season.
SA defenders alongside ex-Bafana star die in car accident
Briefly News previously reported that South African defender Nhlanhla Masina, alongside a former Bafana Bafana star, passed on after being involved in a car accident.
They both died after their team bus was involved in an accident on their way back after their game against Sivutsa Stars at Driekoppies Stadium.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: Briefly News
