Aaron Boupendza from Gabon has died after falling from the 11th floor of his apartment building in Hangzhou, China.
This was announced by the Gabonese Football Association on Wednesday. Aaron Boupendza was 28 years old and most recently played for Zhejiang FC. “The exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” reports the state broadcaster Gabon 24, adding that an investigation into the accident is ongoing.
The newly elected Gabonese president, Brice Oligui Nguema, expressed his condolences: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented center forward who brought honor to Gabonese soccer. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory inspire our youth and may God bless his soul.”
Aubameyang mourns with
Boupendza’s Gabonese national team colleague Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also expressed his grief on Instagram. ‘I have no words. Rest in peace, my brother,’ wrote the former Bundesliga striker.
Boupendza had only moved to China in January, having previously played for numerous clubs. In the 2020/2021 season, he was the top scorer in the Süper Lig for Hatayspor in Turkey. He scored 22 goals for his club in 36 league games.
