A cause of death was released Friday for 29-year-old NBA player Brandon Clarke.
Clarke, who died in May at his home in the San Fernando Valley, died from the effects of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said. The manner of Clarke’s death was an accident.
Clarke was found unresponsive at about 5 p.m. May 11 in his bedroom. He was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.
Drug paraphernalia was found in the home, authorities said.
Selected at No. 21 in the 2019 NBA Draft, Clarke played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was a an All-Rookie First Team selection in 2019 and went on to average 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
He played in just two games this past season due to injuries after becoming a regular part of the Grizzlies’ rotation. The injury woes started with an Achilles tear, which sidelined him for most of the 2023-2024 season. Clarke suffered a knee injury in September before a season-ending calf injury.
Born in Vancouver, Canada, Clarke played college ball at San Jose State University before transferring to Gonzaga University in Washington.
The Grizzlies issued a statement following Clarke’s death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an ever better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the team said. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke had been arrested in Arkansas in April on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance, according to NBC News.
