(Gray News) - The cause of death has been revealed for Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, according to multiple reports.
Clarke died of an accidental overdose, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
It was determined that his cause of death was the combined effects of heroin and cocaine and ruled his death an accident.
Paramedics found Clarke unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11. He was pronounced dead 15 minutes after they arrived at 5 p.m.
The Grizzlies organization released a public statement mourning Clarke’s death, saying they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss.”
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) plays in the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup...
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) plays in the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
The statement also said Clarke was “an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Clarke was born in Canada and moved to Phoenix as a young child. He attended Desert Vista High School in Phoenix.
He was drafted 21st overall in 2019 by Oklahoma City and was immediately traded to Memphis. Clarke was a promising rookie in 2019-20 and was named to the All-Rookie team that season. Clarke played in 309 games for the Grizzlies since he was acquired on draft night in 2019.
In his seven-year career with Memphis, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He had been dealing with a calf injury that caused him to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season.