Aaron Boupendza has passed away aged 28 after allegedly falling from a building in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, Afrosport reports.
The Gabon international joined Chinese Super League outfit Zhejiang FC in January from Romanian side Rapid Bucharest and scored four goals and provided two assists in six games before his death.
Boupendza began his career in his homeland with CF Mounana and went on to have spells with Bordeaux, Pau FC, Gazelec Ajaccio and Tours in France, Feirense in Portugal, Hatayspor in Turkey, Al-Arabi in Qatar, Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia and FC Cincinnati in the United States.
Zhejiang announced the passing of Boupendza on social media, stating they were cooperating with the relevant bodies in carrying an investigation over his demise.
“It with great sadness that we release this announcement: Aaron Boupendza unfortunately passed away today at his residence,” read a statement on Instagram.
“At present, the club is fully cooperating with the relevant departments in the investigation. All the staff of the club express their deepest condolences to his family!”
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The Gabon Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) also announced the news of his death on social media while Gabon president-elect Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema paid tribute to Boupendza, describing him as a talented centre-forward who brought honour to the country.
Boupendza won 35 caps for Gabon, scoring eight goals, featuring at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
