Gabonese footballer Aaron Boupendza tragically passed away on Wednesday after falling from the balcony of his apartment building in China. The 28-year-old striker was playing for Chinese club Zhejiang FC at the time of his death.
According to local authorities, Boupendza died after falling from the 11th floor. Officials were alerted to the incident at 1:14 p.m. local time on Wednesday, CNN reported.
In a statement posted on its official Weibo page, the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau said it had “quickly organised police forces to deal with the situation, and immediately sent the injured to the hospital for treatment. The injured was later declared dead in the hospital.”
The statement added, “After on-site investigation, visits and interviews of relevant parties by public security officers, and checking surveillance videos, it was found that he died after falling from the balcony of his rental residence, and a criminal case was ruled out.”
Zhejiang FC released a statement saying it was “fully cooperating with the relevant departments to carry out the investigation.”
Boupendza had featured for the Gabon national team, including during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon, and had earned 35 call-ups for his country, according to the BBC.
Before joining Zhejiang FC, Boupendza played for Rapid Bucharest in Romania. His professional journey began in Gabon with CF Mounana, and he went on to play in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. During his stint in the U.S., he played for FC Cincinnati, helping them secure the 2023 Supporters’ Shield.
“Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who made his mark during the [Afcon] in Cameroon,” Gabon’s football federation (Fegafoot) said. “Fegafoot and the Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his family.”
Gabon’s president-elect, Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, also paid tribute, calling him “a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football.”
FC Cincinnati said it was “saddened to hear of the tragic passing” of Boupendza. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Aaron,” the club’s statement read.
Turkish club Fenerbahçe, where Boupendza once played in the Süper Lig with Hatayspor, also expressed its sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Aaron Boupendza, who once wore the Hatayspor jersey in the Turkish Süper Lig. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, as well as to Zhejiang FC and all who loved him.”
