Gabonese international footballer Aaron Boupendza has died after falling from a building in China. The 28-year-old striker reportedly suffered a fatal fall from the 11th floor. Recently signed to Chinese club Zhejiang, Boupendza had previously played for Rapid Bucharest before making the switch earlier this year. Confirming the heart-wrenching incident, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) announced his death on Wednesday.

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

Among the outpour of tributes was one from former Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a team-mate of Boupendza with the national team. Struck by grief, Aubameyang expressed his sorrow on Instagram: "I don't have the words," accompanying a photograph that captured a moment of camaraderie on the pitch with "Rest in peace my brother."

Since his first cap in 2016, Boupendza had acquired 35 caps for Gabon, netting eight goals, and notably partook in the Africa Cup of Nations for Gabon the previous year.

Mario Lemina, a midfielder for Gabon, wrote: "Rest in peace Aaron. So talented, joyful. Allah is great and knows your heart. My rage is immense today. These same people who called themselves brothers, friends or others and who advised you in this direction, I hope that they will at least ask forgiveness from your parents with sincerity because today we must all feel the guilt.

"May your soul pass in peace. May Allah soothe the heart of your family and those who truly wanted the best for you."

Gabon's President Brice Oligui Nguema released a statement, which read: "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. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul."

His former club, FC Cincinnati, also issued a statement: "We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Aaron."

Having started his career in France with spells at Bordeaux, Pau, and Tours, Boupendza went on to establish himself in Turkey with Hatayspor following their promotion to the Super Lig. After a stint in Qatar, he made his way to the United States where he played for Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati.

He then moved on to China after a brief spell with Rapid Bucharest. During his time at Zhejiang, he managed to score four goals and provide six assists in just six matches.