Simone Edwards, Jamaica, and former Seattle Storm player in the WNBA, has died after a prolonged fight with ovarian cancer. She was 49 years old.
Edwards, who was diagnosed with aggressive ovarian cancer in early 2021, passed away at her home in Florida on Thursday.
Her passing was announced by the Seattle Storm on Thursday night.
“We are saddened by the passing of our very own Simone Forbes,” the franchise posted on Twitter. “Our Jamaican Hurricane was a warrior on and off the court. With her indefatigable energy and optimism, she brought happiness to so many. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Simone’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Forbes was the first Jamaican female player to play in the WNBA, playing for the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm, winning the WNBA title in 2004.
She retired from the WNBA in 2006.
On August 5, 2007, she was hired as an assistant coach at Radford University and was an assistant at George Mason University from 2008-2011.
Edwards coached the Jamaican women’s national basketball team and led them to a 2014 Caribbean Championship.
On August 6, 2017, the Government of Jamaica conferred the national award, the Order of Distinction which is bestowed on citizens of Jamaica who have rendered outstanding and important service to Jamaica in their field.
