Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza dies after fall from building in China

Aaron Boupendza, a Gabonese international forward playing for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League, died on Wednesday after falling from a residential building in Hangzhou, local police confirmed.

The 28-year-old striker was found injured after falling from the balcony of his rented apartment in the Yuhang district. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead despite emergency treatment, the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau said in a statement. Authorities ruled out foul play following an investigation that included on-site examination, interviews and video surveillance review.

The club confirmed Boupendza's death in a statement late Wednesday, expressing "deep sorrow" and saying it was cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.

"We are devastated to announce that our foreign player Aaron Boupendza has tragically passed away at his residence today," the club said. "All of us at Zhejiang FC extend our heartfelt condolences to his family."

Boupendza, born on Aug 7, 1996, in Gabon, joined Zhejiang FC ahead of the 2024 Chinese Super League season and quickly became one of its top performers. Known for his strength, dribbling, and finishing ability, he scored four goals in the league's third and fourth rounds — netting two braces in back-to-back games — to rank fourth on the league's scoring chart.

He had previously played in leagues across Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Romania.

"I like to run, and my job is to score goals," Boupendza said in an interview before the start of the current season. He had described Zhejiang as "a great team" and expressed optimism about their prospects.

Boupendza was not listed in the squad for Tuesday night's home match against Meizhou Hakka in the seventh round of the Chinese Super League. During the game, Zhejiang fans chanted his name in tribute.