Former MLS Player Aaron Boupendza, 28, Dies After Falling from 11th Floor of Building in China

A former Major League Soccer player has died after falling from a building in China, according to multiple reports.

Aaron Boupendza, a Gabonese striker who had been playing for Chinese professional team Zhejiang FC, reportedly fell from the balcony of his apartment building on the 11th floor on Wednesday, April 16, The Athletic and Türkiye Today reported.

He was 28 years old.

The Turkish outlet said Chinese police are investigating the fall and determining if his death was by suicide, accidental fall or homicide.

Boupendza’s brother, who was reportedly inside the apartment and had an argument with him before the athlete fell, will be questioned by police as they investigate, Türkiye Today reported.

Boupendza had reportedly missed Zhejiang FC’s most recent practice session without offering an explanation, and was not responsive when team officials tried contacting him.

FC Cincinnati, Boupendza’s MLS team, shared a tribute to their former player after the news of his passing. “We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China,” the team said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Aaron.”

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The Gabonese Football Federation also shared a statement remembering Boupendeza as a “great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.”

“Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania,” the federation’s statement continued. “FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time.”