Former MLS player Aaron Boupendza died after falling from the 11th-floor balcony of an apartment building in China as authorities reportedly launched an investigation into his death.
He was 28.
Boupendza, who has been living in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, where he played for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League, was at his home when he fell to his death on Wednesday.
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China,” Boupendza’s MLS club FC Cincinnati wrote in a statement posted to X.
“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.:
The team was unable to contact Boupendza when he did not attend their most recent training session, Turkiye Today reported.
Boupendza was inside his apartment with his brother before tragedy struck, according to the outlet, citing Chinese police reports.
An argument allegedly broke out between the two siblings.
Officials are investigating whether Boupendza was pushed and will determine if the soccer star’s fatal fall was the result of suicide, homicide or an accident.
No arrests have been made, but Boupendza’s brother is expected to be questioned in the death, the outlet reported.
Boupendza began his professional career with Gazélec Ajaccio in France’s Ligue 2, where he appeared in 10 matches and scored 6 goals in the 2018-2019 season.
A year later, he moved to Turkey and starred with Hatayspor in Turkey’s Süper Lig.
In his only season in Turkey, Boupendza finished as the league’s leading scorer with 43 goals in 36 games.
After Turkey, Boupendza played a season in Saudi Arabia before moving to the MLS and joining FC Cincinnati in 2023.
Boupendza appeared in 24 games for FC Cincinnati over two seasons, making 11 starts and scoring 7 goals.
He was celebrated as a great teammate during his time with his native Gabonese National Team.
“At 28 years old, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who made an impression during the (Confederation of African Football) in Cameroon,” the Gabonese Football Federation wrote.
After his brief stint in the MLS, Boupendza returned to Europe and played for Romania’s Rapid București before heading to China over the winter.
Boupendza was also a member of the Gabon National Team between 2017 and 2023.
He started in 23 of the 28 games he appeared in, notching four goals.
“FEGAFOOT and the great Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family in this difficult ordeal,” the Gabonese Football Federation wrote.