The Grizzlies announced the death of forward Brandon Clarke on Tuesday afternoon. He was 29 years old.
Clarke, a former first-round pick out of Gonzaga who spent seven years in Memphis, played two games during the 2025-26 season before being ruled out for the year with a right calf strain. He earned All-Rookie First Team honors during the 2019-20 season after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds on 61.8 percent shooting.
Here's what we know so far about Clarke's untimely passing.
Brandon Clarke dies at 29
Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, announced news of his death on Tuesday afternoon. Memphis confirmed his passing in a statement released on X shortly after 2 p.m. ET.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies' statement read. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."
pic.twitter.com/RvDXJCxlWQ
β Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 12, 2026
Clarke was limited by knee and calf injuries during the 2025-26 season, playing in just two contests. On April 1, he was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, and charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and improper passing. He was released on bond one day later.
Brandon Clarke tributes
Here's a look at some of the most noteworthy tributes to Clarke following his passing:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. pic.twitter.com/QujShDyGir
β NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 12, 2026
Damn man. RIP B CLARKE
β Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) May 12, 2026
Damn! This Hurts my Heart! Rest In Paradise Brandon Clarke ππΎ https://t.co/lmeje3fwx7
β Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 12, 2026
Man ππΎππΎππΎ up to Brandon Clarke family. NBA is a brother hood ππΎππΎ damn
β Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 12, 2026
This is heartbreaking news. I had the pleasure of getting to know Brandon as classmates at Gonzaga and always had the loveliest interactions with him. My thoughts are with his friends and family. https://t.co/m8enZBZLHR
β Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) May 12, 2026
Iβm absolutely saddened to hear this news. Brandon was a gentle giant and an amazing man that I met when he was at SJSU. He credited me for being the first to tell him he could make the NBA. Brandon earned his way to the NBA. My condolences and prayers to his mother and family.ποΈ https://t.co/6HtO68IMe6
β Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 12, 2026
Prayers & condolences going out to Brandon Clarkeβs family & loved ones.ππ½ππΎ https://t.co/2xqoO8disL
β Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) May 12, 2026
Sending our condolences to Brandon Clarke's family, friends, and the entire @memgrizz organization. https://t.co/nPqySmMmUA
β Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 12, 2026