Aaron Boupendza dies aged 28 after international footballer falls off 11th floor of building

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza has died after falling off a building in China. Boupendza, 28, reportedly passed away after falling from the 11th floor.

He was playing for Chinese side Zhejiang, having moved from Rapid Bucharest earlier this year. The Gabonese Federation confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday.

"At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022)," FEGAFOOT said in a statement.

"Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania.

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"FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time."

Former striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played with Boupendza for Gabon and has led the tributes. "I don't have the words," he wrote in French on with a picture of the two embracing on the picture. "Rest in peace my brother."

Boupendza had made 35 appearances for Gabon since his debut in 2016, scoring eight goals. He featured in the Africa Cup of Nations for his country last year.

Gabon midfielder Mario Lemina wrote: "Rest in peace Aaron. So talented, joyful. Allah is great and knows your heart. My rage is immense today. These same people who called themselves brothers, friends or others and who advised you in this direction, I hope that they will at least ask forgiveness from your parents with sincerity because today we must all feel the guilt.

"May your soul pass in peace. May Allah soothe the heart of your family and those who truly wanted the best for you."

"It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer," Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema said. "I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul."

FC Cincinnati, where Boupendza played for the 2023/24 season, wrote in a statement: "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 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."

Boupendza started his career in France, playing for Bordeaux, Pau and Tours, before finding his feet in Turkey, where he turned out for Hatayspor following their promotion to the Super Lig.

He moved on to play in , before landing in the United States, where he played for MLS side FC Cincinnati, before moving to China via a stint with Rapid Bucharest. He had contributed four goals and six assists in six matches for Zhejiang.