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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death on May 11 has been ruled accidental, caused by the combined effects of heroin and cocaine, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. The 29-year-old athlete was also found to have multiple prescription medications in his system, which were noted as a significant factor in his passing.
Clarke was discovered unresponsive in his Los Angeles home and was pronounced dead by paramedics at 5:15 p.m. the same day. A deputy medical examiner completed an examination the following day, with the official cause and manner of death certified last Friday.
Drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Clarke played seven seasons with the Grizzlies, appearing in 309 games. His career averages included 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Injuries limited him to just two games in the 2025-26 season, as he dealt with knee and calf issues.
At the time of his death, Clarke was under a four-year, $50 million contract extension he signed in 2022. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 215 pounds, he made a strong impression in college basketball, earning first-team All-American honors in 2018-19 at Gonzaga, where he helped lead the team to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.
The Memphis Grizzlies paid tribute to Clarke following the announcement of his death, describing him as “an outstanding teammate and even better person.”