Former WNBA star Sophie Brunner mourns mother, Darcy Brunner, after tragic car accident

Sophie Brunner’s parents, Darcy and Thomas, celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary just days before Darcy’s untimely demise.

August 11, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 11, 2026

Darcy Brunner, mother of former WNBA Phoenix Mercury star Sophie Brunner, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2026.

While Sophie Brunner hasn’t released any statement regarding the untimely demise of her beloved mother, according to reports, Darcy Brunner lost her life in a tragic car accident on IL RT 26.

Darcy Brunner was a great mother to Sophie Brunner and her three siblings, Ellen, Gabby, and Heath, and an amazing wife to Thomas ‘Tom’ Brunner.

Furthermore, the untimely demise of Darcy has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends and loved ones.

Known for her cheerful and kind nature, Darcy Brunner touched the lives of many and made significant contributions to the community.

Similarly, many of her loved ones are paying tribute to the late Darcy Brunner and extending their heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.

One wrote, “Fly high Darcy Brunner as you will be dearly missed!” Another added, “Can’t even believe this… Darcy loved everyone! Prayers to the Brunners! 🥹❤️🙏.“

Many of her loved ones remember Darcy Brunner as an incredible person who was always ready to help those in need.

Sophie Brunner and her family have yet to provide details regarding Darcy’s funeral and memorial services.

Sophie Brunner’s Late Mother, Darcy Brunner, Worked As a Social Worker

Darcy Brunner served her whole life as a social worker. Prior to her untimely demise, she worked at Counseling for Change for years.

She also worked as a social worker at SSM Health Home in Freeport, Illinois.

A native of Delhi, Iowa, late Darcy Bruner attended Maquoketa Valley Senior High School and later earned her Master’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She was also a proud member of Delta Phi. Darcy Brunner was preceded in death by her parents, John Connolly and Shirlain Regina Faust Connolly.

Darcy’s mother passed away on December 18, 1967, in Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa, whereas her father, John Luke Connolly, passed away on July 17, 1981, in Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota, at the age of 46 from an apparent heart attack while competing in the Minnkota Invitational late model special.

Born on March 6, 1935, in North Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa, Darcy’s father, John, was a who began racing in 1958 at the age of 23 and raced for 23 years, winning several honorable titles.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Sophie Brunner married her longtime partner, Unkie Bruder, a month prior to her mother’s untimely demise.
• She played basketball at Aquin High School and later at Arizona State University.
• Sophie earned three First-team All-Pac-12 while attending Arizona State and later won a Silver medal in the 2015 Pan-American Games representing the United States.

• Check other Articles on

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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