Gabon International Aaron Boupendza Tragic Death Following Fall from Building in China

Tragically, Gabonese international striker Aaron Boupendza has passed away at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China, as confirmed by the national football federation (Fegafoot).

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” stated the federation in a post on X.

“At just 28 years old, Boupendza will be remembered as an outstanding striker who made his mark during the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

In 2022, the Gabonese national team, known as the Panthers, were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Burkina Faso.

“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football community extend their heartfelt condolences to his family,” the federation added.

Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s president-elect, also expressed his condolences on X.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented striker who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he wrote.

According to broadcaster Gabon 24, the “exact circumstances of this tragedy remain unclear,” and an investigation is currently underway “to ascertain the details.”

Boupendza was born in Moanda and joined French club Bordeaux in 2016, where he primarily spent his time on loan at various other French clubs.

In 2020, he transferred to Turkish club Hatayspor, where he notably became the top scorer in the Super Lig for the 2020–21 season. He later played for Al Arabi in Qatar, winning the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

His journey also included stints in the USA with FC Cincinnati and with Romania’s Rapid Bucharest before his move to China in January.