Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, according to a report released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental following an investigation into the May 11 incident.
Medical Examiner Ruling and Cause of Death
In addition to the primary findings, the medical examiner’s report listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications
as a significant contributing factor in the player’s death, as reported by nytimes.com. Specific prescription drugs were not detailed in the initial release, but officials stated that a full autopsy report containing the names of those medications will be published at a future date.
Circumstances of the May 11 Incident
Clarke was 29 years old at the time of his passing. Emergency personnel responded to a residence located in the 20300 block of Del Campo Place in Woodland Hills, within The Spokesman-Review. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived following an emergency call just after 5 p.m. on May 11, and paramedics pronounced Clarke dead at 5:15 p.m. local time after he was found unresponsive in his bedroom.
Drug paraphernalia was discovered at the residence, and authorities initially treated the scene as a possible overdose. While the coroner’s investigation focused on the toxicological findings, earlier legal troubles involving a controversial substance were addressed by reporters covering the case. Approximately six weeks prior to his death, Clarke had been arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, facing felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance after deputies alleged he possessed 235 grams of kratom during a high-speed vehicle pursuit. However, the coroner’s report did not note the presence of kratom in his system at the time of his death, and the Arkansas criminal case was dismissed following his passing.
Basketball Career and Tributes
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and raised in Phoenix, Clarke built a prominent basketball career. He played college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga, where he led NCAA Division I with a 68.7 field-goal percentage and played alongside Rui Hachimura on one of the school’s most successful teams. Selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, he finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting for the 2019-20 season.
Over seven professional seasons, Clarke appeared in 309 regular-season games for Memphis, making 55 starts and averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 60.5% from the field. Though recognized as one of the league’s top reserves when healthy, his recent playing time was limited by significant injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon sustained in March 2023 that sidelined him for over a year, as well as knee and calf issues that restricted him to just two appearances during the 2025-26 season.
In the wake of his death, the AP News released a statement expressing deep sorrow and honoring his contributions to the franchise and the local community. Gonzaga head coach Mark Few also remembered him fondly, noting his positive demeanor and coachability during his collegiate career.
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