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NBA player Brandon Clarke's death ruled accident due to heroin, cocaine

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke on the sidelines during a game (2026)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke on the sidelines during a game (2026)Brandon Dill / CTK / AP

The death of NBA Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was ruled an accident due to "the effects of heroin and cocaine," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced on Friday.

"The Medical Examiner report will be available at a future date," according to the office's statement. Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11th and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A deputy medical examiner examined Clarke the next day before the cause and manner of death were certified Friday.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," said commissioner Adam Silver back in May. "As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.  Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization.”

Clarke was taken 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by Oklahoma City, which traded him to Memphis a few days later. In seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists a game over 309 career contests.

Clarke, 29, was a dual American and Canadian citizen, born to a Canadian mother and Jamaican father.

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