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28-year-old ex-MLS athlete succumbs to fatal fall from elevated balcony, incident occurs in China

Tragic demise of Aaron Boupendza, ex-MLS and Gabon striker, at 28, after a plummet from the 11th floor of a Chinese building, as per local authorities' announcement.

Training session in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China, attended by football player Aaron...
Training session in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China, attended by football player Aaron Boupendza on February 21, 2025.

28-year-old ex-MLS athlete succumbs to fatal fall from elevated balcony, incident occurs in China

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the once vibrant and talented Aaron Boupendza, a former MLS and Gabon forward, met his tragic end at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.

This unfortunate incident unfolded at his rental residence in Hangzhou, where he was currently playing for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League. Officials from the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau responded to the scene after receiving public reports of someone falling from a building at 1:14 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

Despite the heroic efforts of the emergency services, Boupendza was later declared dead in the hospital. The authorities confirmed that his passing was the result of a fall from the balcony of his rental residence and ruled out any criminal involvement.

Zhejiang FC, the club Boupendza was representing, expressed their deepest sympathies to his family and stated they are fully cooperating with the relevant departments to carry out the ongoing investigation into the incident.

FEGAFOOT, the Gabonese Football Federation, paid tribute to the late striker, recalling his impressive performances at the AFCON tournament in Cameroon. Other clubs Boupendza had played for, including FC Cincinnati, also released statements expressing their shock and condolences.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the interim Gabon president, offered his heartfelt condolences to Boupendza's family, lauding the late forward for the honor he brought to Gabonese football.

At the time of writing, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Boupendza's untimely fall are yet to be disclosed by the authorities. May his soul rest in peace.

  1. Aaron Boupendza, a former MLS and Gabon forward, tragically died at the age of 28, falling from the 11th floor of a building in his residence in Hangzhou, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League.
  2. Officially, his passing was the result of a fall from the balcony of his rental residence and the authorities ruled out any criminal involvement.
  3. Officials from the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau responded to the scene after receiving public reports of someone falling from a building at 1:14 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
  4. Despite the heroic efforts of the emergency services, Boupendza was later declared dead in the hospital.
  5. Zhejiang FC, the club Boupendza was representing, expressed their deepest sympathies to his family and stated they are fully cooperating with the relevant departments to carry out the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Mourners pay tribute to Gabonese footballer Aaron Boupendza in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China, by placing flowers around his portrait near the Zhejiang FC building on April 17.

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