Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the "effects of heroin and cocaine," the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has ruled, the BBC reported.
The 29-year-old 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 ruled the death accidental.
The examiner also listed the "combined effects of multiple prescription medications" as a "significant" contributor to Clarke's death but did not identify the specific medications. A full report will be released at a later date.
Clarke played only two games during the 2025-26 season due to injuries. Over his NBA career, he appeared in 309 games, including 50 starts, and averaged 10.2 points per game.
Born in Vancouver, Clarke was a dual citizen of Canada and the United States. He played college basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga before being selected as a first-round draft pick in 2019 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was traded to the Grizzlies shortly after being drafted.
One month before his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
The Grizzlies, in a statement released at the time of his death, said they were "heartbroken" by the loss, adding that Clarke was an "outstanding team-mate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."
