Sports
BRANDON Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies forward, died from the effects of heroin and cocaine, Los Angeles County authorities have said.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner classified the 29-year-old Canadian-American basketball player’s death as accidental.
Clarke was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a house in San Fernando Valley on May 11, 2026, and was pronounced dead by paramedics.
The medical examiner also listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant contributing factor.
However, the authorities did not disclose the medications involved, saying a full report would be released at a later date.
Clarke was a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and joined the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded shortly afterward.
The forward played only two games for Memphis during the 2025-26 season because of injuries.
He played 309 NBA games during his career, including 50 starts, and averaged 10.2 points per game.
The Grizzlies described Clarke, following his death, as an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and Memphis community would not be forgotten.
Clarke was born in Vancouver and held both Canadian and U.S. citizenship.
He played college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga before entering the NBA.
A month before his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
The medical examiner’s finding brings further detail to the circumstances surrounding the death of the 29-year. (BBC)
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Tags: NBA Forward