The WNBA community was hit with some tragic news on Friday after it was announced that former Seattle Storm center Simone Edwards has passed away. She was 49. According to reports, Edwards died of ovarian cancer two years after she was diagnosed with the disease.

Edwards played six seasons in the WNBA, all of which were with the Storm. She started her career in 2000, and she put up averages of 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in 178 games played for Seattle. She retired from the league in 2005 at the age of 31.

Even before her WNBA career, Edwards was already a star. She was a very popular figure in the track scene in her native Jamaica, thus earning the moniker “Jamaican Hurricane.” She headed to the United States to play basketball where she suited up for Oklahoma in her junior year. Edwards then transferred to Iowa where she played a role in the Hawkeyes' Big Ten title in 1996.

Article Continues Below
More Seattle Storm News
Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) shoots with Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2), forward Napheesa Collier (24) and forward Alanna Smith (8) defending during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena.
Storm end Lynx’s undefeated streakRexwell Villas ·
Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) shoots over Phoenix Mercury center Murjanatu Musa (20) and guard Haley Jones (30) in the first half at Footprint Center.
Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor make history in win over MercuryBen Strauss ·
Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts fater scoring against the Seattle Storm in the second half at Footprint Center.
Skylar Diggins drops season-high points in revenge game vs. former teamBen Strauss ·
LA Sparks center Li Yueru (28) shoots the ball against Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Storm center breaks silence on reported trade requestErin Achenbach ·
Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn reacts against the LA Sparks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Storm rumors: WNBA ‘follows up’ on allegation a coach cursed at Aces playerJaren Kawada ·
LA Sparks center Li Yueru (28) reaches for the ball against the Phoenix Mercury in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Storm rumors: Player asks for trade as coaching staff investigation startsErin Achenbach ·

in 2017, Edwards was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government for her outstanding achievement in her field.

We grieve with the entire WNBA and basketball community amid the passing of Simone Edwards. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her friends in these trying times. May her soul rest in peace.