The 29-year-old’s death was accidental, coroner rules
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Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies during a 2025 game against the Golden State Warriorsopen image in gallery
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies during a 2025 game against the Golden State Warriors (Getty)
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A coroner has revealed the cause of death for Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke.
The 29-year-old forward was found dead at a home near Los Angeles on May 11.
At the time, neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, immediately provided any details about when, where or how he died.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.
“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.”
Brandon Clarke had played for the Grizzlies for seven seasonsopen image in gallery
Brandon Clarke had played for the Grizzlies for seven seasons (AP)
Authorities said late Friday that Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said that his death death was accidental.
Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11.
A person familiar with the terms of the investigation earlier said that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence.
The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.
Clarke’s agents wrote on social media in May that they were “beyond devastated” by his death.
Clarke was remembered as the ‘gentlest soul’open image in gallery
Clarke was remembered as the ‘gentlest soul’ (Getty)
“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said.
“He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
The National Basketball Players Association said in a statement: “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”
Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance.
He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga University in Spokane.
Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.