The basketball world suffered a huge loss with the passing of a WNBA legend who played a crucial role in the establishment of the league. Two years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, former WNBA star Simone Edwards recently passed away at the age of 49. Popularly known as the ‘Jamaican Hurricane,’ the basketball veteran was the first Jamaican woman to ever play in the WNBA. Moreover, she represented the Seattle Storm during her six-season-long NBA career between 2000 and 2005. Notably, the demise of the WNBA legend Edwards has left the NBA world mourning the tragic loss to the basketball fraternity.

During 178 appearances in the WNBA, Simone Edwards averaged 5.3 points, with 3.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists. Moreover, the 49-year-old was also a part of the Seattle Storm roster that won the WNBA championship in 2004. Unfortunately, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star passed away after valiantly battling against cancer, leaving the basketball world saddened.

Emotional fans pay tribute to Simone Edwards

As per ESPN’s recent post on Twitter,?“Former Seattle Storm and Iowa Hawkeyes center Simone Edwards has died at age 49 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She played six seasons with the Storm and was a fan favorite nicknamed the ‘Jamaican Hurricane’.”

Being a native of Jamaica, Edwards played junior basketball in Oklahoma after being discovered by an American coach. The 6’4 WNBA legend went to college at the University of Iowa from 1994 to 1997. She won the Big Ten regular-season championship in 1996 and the Big Ten Tournament title the following year.

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After her brilliance with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Edwards was named as a developmental player for the New York Liberty during the WNBA’s first season in 1997. However, she got her first opportunity to play in the WNBA with the Seattle Storm in 2000. Eventually, the WNBA veteran retired at the age of 32 before the 2006 season.

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The tragic passing of former Storm center Edwards has left the whole basketball community grieving the massive loss. One of the fans wrote, “Never heard of her, but it?s a shame when anyone dies of cancer. Rest In Peace. Simone.”

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Another emotional fan wrote, “May she rest in peace and her memory a blessing to all. 🙁“ Here are some other reactions from the fans.

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NBA Twitter was left devastated by the news as they bid adieu to the WNBA legend. Moreover, many fans also offered their condolences to Simone Edward’s family while praying for the 2004 WNBA champ’s peaceful journey into the afterlife.