Kenrik Kabano, an 18-year-old basketball player for Rwanda’s youth national team, has died in a road accident in the United States that also claimed the life of his mother, Rosine Kabano.
The crash occurred in Texas on the evening of Monday, April 20, 2026, according to family statements shared on social media and confirmed on Tuesday, April 21.
In a public message, his father, Mike Kabano, announced the tragedy, writing: “Rosine has been called by God, together with our firstborn son Kenrik. The light of my wife and son will forever remain in our hearts. Please pray for us.”
Kenrik Kabano, born in 2008 in Ohio, grew up in the United States where he pursued both education and basketball. Despite his young age, he had already emerged as one of Rwanda’s most promising basketball talents.
He previously represented Rwanda at the FIBA U16 African Championship 2023, where he delivered standout performances, including a 21-point game against Egypt—his highest scoring outing of the tournament.
Kabano was also among players under consideration for Rwanda’s U18 national team ahead of upcoming Afrobasket qualification games, where he was viewed as part of the country’s next generation of talent.
His death has shocked the basketball community in Rwanda and beyond, with tributes expected to continue as details of the tragedy emerge.
