Former Turkish Super League top scorer Aaron Boupendza dies at 28 in China

Aaron Boupendza, who previously played for Hatayspor and was the top scorer in the 2020–21 Turkish Super League season, has died at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of his apartment building in China.

The Gabonese striker, who was currently playing for Chinese Super League club Zhejiang FC, reportedly fell from his residence. Authorities have launched an investigation and are treating the case as suspicious.

According to reports, Chinese police are pursuing three possible scenarios: suicide, accidental fall, and homicide.

It is noted that Boupendza’s brother was present in the apartment at the time of the incident, and the two had reportedly been involved in an argument. Investigators are examining whether the altercation may have led to Boupendza being pushed.

His brother is expected to be questioned or taken into custody as part of the inquiry.

Boupendza had missed his team’s most recent training session without explanation, and Zhejiang FC officials stated they were unable to contact him before receiving news of his death.

Who is Aaron Boupendza?

28-year-old Gabonese striker Boupendza gained international recognition during his time at Hatayspor, where he scored 22 goals in 36 matches during the 2020–21 season, earning him the title of top scorer in the Turkish Super League.

Throughout his career, he played for several clubs, including CF Mounana, Bordeaux, Pau FC, Ajaccio, Tours FC, Feirense, Al-Arabi, Al-Shabab, FC Cincinnati, Rapid Bucharest, and, most recently, Zhejiang FC.

His death was confirmed by Romanian manager Marius Șumudică, who previously coached Boupendza and shared a message of condolence on social media.

Chinese authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, as the investigation remains ongoing.