Gabonese striker Aaron Boupendza died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China on April 16.
The accident happened at the building where Aaron Boupendza was residing in Hangzhou. The Gabonese striker is currently playing for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League. Boupendza's death shocked many people as he was only 28 years old, at the peak of his career.
After hearing about Aaron Boupendza's accident, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) expressed condolences to his family. "At 28 years old, Boupendza is remembered as an excellent striker who left his mark at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. FEGAFOOT would like to express our sincere condolences to Aaron's family during this difficult time," the Federation wrote in a statement posted on the afternoon of April 16. Meanwhile, Zheijang FC said they were cooperating with the authorities to investigate Boupendza's death.Boupendza was born on August 7 in Moanda, Gabon. He has 35 caps for the Gabon national team and has scored 8 goals since 2016.
Boupendza has played for clubs around the world, including France, Turkey, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. After leaving FC Cincinnati (USA) in 2024, Boupendza played briefly in Romania and joined Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League earlier this year. At Zheijang FC, Boupendza has made 6 appearances and scored 4 goals.
Boupendza moved to FC Cincinnati from Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab FC in 2023, where he scored 13 goals in 20 matches. According to media reports, Boupendza's contract with Cincinnati was until 2025 with an option to extend until 2027, but he was unexpectedly terminated by the American team in August 2024.
According to WLWT, Cincinnati did not announce the reason for Boupendza's dismissal, but it was likely due to off-field issues. In April 2024, Boupendza suffered a broken jaw in a bar fight at 2 a.m., and it took him several weeks to recover.
"We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Aaron Boupendza. He was a valued member of the FC Cincinnati family. Our hearts go out to all who knew Aaron," FC Cincinnati wrote on its website after Boupendza's death.