Former MLS star Aaron Boupendza dies at 28 after fall from 11th floor of apartment building

Turkiye Today report Boupendza was in China, where he played for Chinese Super League FC side Zhejiang FC, when he fell from the 11th floor of his apartment building and died. Authorities are treating the case as suspicious.

The report states that Boupendza, who won 35 caps for the Gabon national team, was with his brother when the incident occurred and that investigators are examining whether an altercation took place. Boupendza's brother is expected to be questioned or taken into custody. Chinese authorities have not ruled out any circumstances that resulted in the fall.

Brice Coltaire Oligui Nguema, the President of Gabon, said: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic passing of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honor to Gabonese football. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul."

Boupendza enjoyed a two-season spell in MLS with FC Cincinnati that ended in 2024, and played for a host of other clubs during his 10-year professional career, including CF Mounana, Bordeaux, Ajaccio, Hatayspor and Al-Shabab. Cincinnati are among the clubs to have paid tribute to Boupendza, writing on X: "We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China. 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."