New details have emerged surrounding the death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, nearly three months after the 29-year-old was found unresponsive at a home in California.
Clarke’s death was caused by the “effects of heroin and cocaine,” with the manner of death officially ruled accidental by the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner, according to BBC Sport journalist Tasnim Chowdhury.
The medical examiner also determined that the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” were a “significant” contributing factor in Clarke’s death, although the specific medications involved were not disclosed.
A full report detailing the findings is expected to be released at a later date.
Clarke was discovered unresponsive inside a bedroom at a home in San Fernando Valley on May 11. Paramedics responded to the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the age of 29.
Following news of his death, the Grizzlies released a statement mourning the loss of their longtime forward.
The organization said it was “heartbroken” by Clarke’s death and remembered him as an “outstanding team-mate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Clarke had been limited significantly by injuries during his final NBA season, appearing in just two games for Memphis during the 2025-26 campaign.
One month before his death, Clarke had been arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance, according to Chowdhury.
He was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to Memphis shortly afterward.
Clarke went on to spend his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies, appearing in 309 regular-season games and making 50 starts.
He averaged 10.2 points per game during his career, establishing himself as a valuable part of Memphis’ rotation before injuries severely limited his availability in his final season.
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