Aaron Boupendza, a forward from Gabon with an international soccer career, died Wednesday after he fell from the 11th story of a building in China, where he was playing for Zheijang FC. He was 28.
Officials in Gabon announced the news of his death in a statement through the Fédération Gabonaise de Football, also known as FEGAFOOT. The federation offered its condolences to Boupendza's family.
"At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who made his mark during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon," the statement said, according to a translation from French.
Zheijang FC said in a statement on Instagram that Boupendza "passed away at his residence" and offered condolences to his family.
"At present, the club is fully cooperating with the relevant departments in the investigation," the team said.
Boupendza had 35 international appearances on Gabon's national team, scoring eight goals since 2016, according to a profile page on a website tracking national soccer team players.
But he also had a long career playing for teams all over the world. Boupendza played for clubs in France, Turkey, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, the United States and Saudi Arabia.
He left FC Cincinnati last year and played briefly in Romania before he eventually landed at Zheijang FC in China's Super League.
Saudi Arabia's Al-Shabab FC transferred him to FC Cincinnati in 2023, according to his Major League Soccer biography. He scored 13 goals in 20 matches at the Saudi Arabian club.
Boupendza then signed a contract to play for FC Cincinnati through 2025 with options for extensions in 2026 and 2027, but his contract was terminated in August, according to NBC affiliate WLWT.
The team gave no reason for his termination, but Boupendza's time at the MLS team was marred with off-the-field issues, WLWT reported.
He missed several weeks recovering from a broken jaw that occurred during an assault at a bar and kitchen at 2 a.m. in April 2024, WLWT reported at the time.
FC Cincinnati said on Instagram that it was saddened by the news of his death.
"Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones," the club said. "He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him."
