Gabon forward Boupendza dies aged 28

The forward dies following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China

Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16 - Burkina Faso v Gabon - Limbe Omnisport Stadium, Limbe, Cameroon - Jan 23, 2022 Gabon's Aaron-Salem Boupendza celebrates scoring a disallowed goal REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Gabon forward Aaron Boupendza has died at 28 following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) said on Wednesday.

Boupendza, who joined Zhejiang FC earlier this year, was in good form with four goals in six matches.

"At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022)," FEGAFOOT said in a statement.

"Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania.

"FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time."

Authorities in China have launched an investigation to find out whether the fall was an accident, suicide, or the result of foul play, media reports in Romania said.

There was no official confirmation for the cause of death.

"It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer," Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema said.

"I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul."

The forward played for several clubs in France, Turkey, Qatar, the United States and China.