Jan 27, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jan 27, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Months after the NBA world mourned the death of Brandon Clarke, a Grizzlies player who had been struggling with injuries and working on his return to action, the L.A. County medical examiner has confirmed the 29-year-old’s cause of death.
“Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died of an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, the L.A. County Medical Examiner ruled in a report released Friday,” wrote Melody Gutierrez of The Athletic.
“The medical examiner also listed the ‘combined effects of multiple prescription medications’ as a significant contributing factor in his death. A full autopsy report will be released at a later date and will include the names of those prescriptions, the medical examiner’s office said.”
Clarke was found dead at a Southern California residence on May 11. It was initially reported that drug paraphernalia was found at Clarke’s residence after his death, which prompted this investigation into a potential drug overdose.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Clarke’s teammates, including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. at the time, were all in sheer disbelief of what they were hearing. Brandon Clarke was always considered a happy and cheerful teammate; no one suspected that he had been struggling with a drug use problem of any sort.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the Grizzlies wrote in a statement after his death.
“This hurts BC. Love you broski. Gone way too soon. It’s bigger than basketball,” Ja Morant wrote in an Instagram story after Clarke’s death.
“I couldn’t imagine a world where this was even a possibility. I love you forever, brother; this is absolutely devastating. I just wish I could talk to you. You were so much to so many and even more to me. I will never have the words to describe what this feels like,” wrote Jaren Jackson Jr. on Instagram.
“I still can’t believe this. To your family and friends and everyone, you were always a light, and you were always so genuine, and our friendship went far beyond anything on the court. I truly lost my twin. I’m still going to be talking to you always. You will be forever loved and forever missed,” Jackson Jr. concluded.
The 29-year-old forward was a solid lob threat and an important bench scorer for the Grizzlies. He averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his seven seasons in the league (all seven with the Grizzlies). Clarke shot 60.5% from the floor.
After tearing his Achilles tendon in 2024, Clarke had been struggling with injuries that kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the last two seasons. Brandon Clarke was expected to make a full recovery ahead of next season. He had a year remaining on his four-year contract worth $12.5 million annually.
Gutierrez reported that Clarke’s death came six weeks after multiple felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance and fleeing law enforcement at speeds over 100 mph.
“Deputies alleged that he had 235 grams of kratom, a controversial plant-based substance that is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in a duffel bag in his car at the time of his arrest April 1.”
“While kratom is considered a felony narcotic in Arkansas, it was legal in Tennessee, where Clarke owned a home, at the time of his arrest. The coroner’s report did not note the presence of kratom,” she wrote.
“Clarke was also facing misdemeanor counts of drug possession for a THC vape pen he was carrying and for making unsafe lane changes and speeding.”
“He was scheduled to appear at an arraignment May 15 at the St. Francis County District Court in Forrest City, Ark. Following his death, the case was dismissed,” Gutierrez added.
But nobody can explain how the struggles and frustrations must have been behind the curtains when he was trying to rehabilitate his way back into action. We extend our sincerest condolences to Brandon Clarke’s family and close ones as they still grieve from this tough loss.