Zhejiang’s Gabonese national team player Aaron Boupendza fell to his death in China on April 16 while playing for the Chinese Super League team Zhejiang. The news was first reported by Romanian media, which disclosed the tragic incident. That night, Zhejiang Club officially announced the news of Boupendza’s passing in a condolence statement.
Before joining Zhejiang, Boupendza had played for the Rapid Bucharest club in Romania and made the move to China in January this year. According to Romanian sports newspaper GSP, they confirmed Boupendza’s death by contacting Rapid Bucharest’s head coach, Marius Sumudica. Additionally, they also reached out to Boupendza’s club in China (Zhejiang) which affirmed the news of his death. The reason behind Boupendza’s fall is currently unclear.
Following the reports in the Romanian media, Upgo New, through sources within Zhejiang Club, confirmed the accuracy of the foreign media reports.
According to the public security notice from Hangzhou city, at around 1:14 p.m. that day, it was reported that someone had fallen from a residential complex within their jurisdiction and despite medical treatment, the victim was pronounced dead. It was verified that the deceased, Aaron Boupendza, was a foreign player for Zhejiang Professional Football Club of Gabonese nationality.
The notice stated that the victim fell from the balcony of their rented residence, ruling out any criminal activities.
It wasn’t until later that evening that Zhejiang Professional Football Club released a condolence statement, officially announcing the passing of Aaron Boupendza. Consequently, many fans criticized the Chinese Super League for its lack of sensitivity. Boupendza had started in 6 of the previous Chinese Super League matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
A statement released by the Gabon Football Association revealed that Gabonese forward Aaron Boupendza fell to his death from the 11th floor of the residential building of Zhejiang FC where he was playing. He was only 28 years old.
Gabon’s President, H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba, expressed his deep sorrow on social media: “With great sadness, I learned of the tragic death of the talented Gabonese forward Aaron Boupendza, who brought honor to Gabon football. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. May God bless his soul.”