Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died of an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Friday. Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive in his Woodland Hills home on May 11. The report also identified the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant contributing factor.
Medical Examiner Findings and Toxicology
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that Clarke’s death was accidental. Following an emergency call to his residence in the 20300 block of Del Campo Place in Woodland Hills, paramedics arrived shortly after 5:00 p.m. on May 11 and pronounced him dead at 5:15 p.m., according to the coroner’s report.
While the presence of heroin and cocaine was cited as the primary cause, the medical examiner noted that the combined effects of multiple prescription medications
served as a significant contributing condition.
Legal Proceedings in Arkansas
Clarke’s death occurred six weeks after he was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, on April 1. He had been charged with felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance and fleeing law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 mph. During that traffic stop, deputies alleged they discovered 235 grams of kratom in a duffel bag inside his vehicle.
Kratom, a plant-based substance not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is classified as a felony narcotic in Arkansas but was legal in Tennessee, where Clarke maintained a residence, at the time of his arrest. In addition to the trafficking charges, Clarke faced misdemeanor counts for possession of a THC vape pen and traffic violations. According to reporting by The Athletic, the coroner’s report did not note the presence of kratom in Clarke’s system at the time of his death. Following his passing, the legal case in Arkansas was dismissed.
Career and Legacy with the Grizzlies
Born in Vancouver and raised in Phoenix, Clarke was a standout at Gonzaga University before being selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent his entire seven-season professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he appeared in 309 games. Known for his efficiency, he maintained a career average of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 60.5% from the field.
His tenure in Memphis was marked by both significant impact and injury struggles. He missed more than a year following a torn Achilles tendon in March 2023 and was limited to two appearances during the 2025-26 season due to knee and calf injuries. Despite these setbacks, the organization had expressed confidence in his recovery ahead of the upcoming season.
We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization. The
At the time of his death, Clarke was under contract with the team through the 2026-27 season, playing on a four-year, $50 million extension signed in 2022. Coaches and teammates remembered him for his work ethic and demeanor; Gonzaga head coach Mark Few noted, Every time you’d see him walking around the facility, he had a smile on his face.
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