Brandon Clarke cause of death: Coroner reveals what killed former Grizzlies Star at 29
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died May 11 from the effects of cocaine and heroin, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced Friday. (Brandon Dill / Associated Press)
The cause of death of former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has been revealed, with the Los Angeles County medical examiner determining that the NBA player died from the effects of heroin and cocaine.
According to the medical examiner’s office, Clarke’s death was ruled an accident. The office also identified the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as another significant condition connected to his death, though the specific medications were not disclosed.
Clarke, who was 29 years old, died on May 11 after being found unresponsive at a home in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. His death shocked the Memphis Grizzlies organization and the wider NBA community.
Brandon Clarke Cause of Death Revealed
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office announced Friday that the official cause of Clarke’s death was the effects of heroin and cocaine.
The medical examiner also listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant condition. The office did not identify those medications in its public statement.
The full medical examiner’s report is expected to become available at a later date, according to the office.
The determination that Clarke’s death was an accident means the medical examiner did not classify it as a homicide.
What Happened to Brandon Clarke?
Clarke was found unresponsive at a residence in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley on the evening of May 11. According to the medical examiner’s office, paramedics responded to the home and found him in a bedroom.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sources previously told ABC News that narcotics were found at the location, while authorities found no evidence of foul play.
The latest medical examiner’s findings provide the official determination regarding the circumstances surrounding Clarke’s death.
Brandon Clarke’s NBA Career With the Memphis Grizzlies
Clarke spent his entire seven-season NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
The former Gonzaga standout quickly became an important part of Memphis’ young roster. During his career, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 games.
Clarke finished fourth in the voting for 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year, establishing himself as an energetic and efficient contributor.
He became a regular part of a Grizzlies team built around young stars including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis also remembered Clarke for his character away from the court. Following his death, the organization described him as an outstanding teammate and praised his impact on the Memphis community.
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Brandon Clarke’s Injuries and Final NBA Seasons
Clarke’s NBA career was affected by a series of significant injuries.
He missed more than a full calendar year after suffering a torn Achilles in 2023 and 2024. Knee and calf problems later restricted his playing time, with the ESPN report stating that he appeared in only two games during the previous season.
Those injuries came during a period when Clarke was attempting to remain a contributor for Memphis after establishing himself as a valuable member of the franchise.
His combination of athleticism, energy and finishing ability had made him a popular player among Grizzlies supporters.
Brandon Clarke Arkansas Arrest and Kratom Case
Months before his death, Clarke was also involved in a separate legal case in Arkansas.
According to a police report cited by ESPN, officers stopped Clarke for speeding in April and found a blue duffel bag containing approximately 1,200 pills.
Clarke reportedly told officers the substance was kratom. The report stated that he was arrested and charged with possession and trafficking of a controlled substance because kratom is not legal in Arkansas.
The medical examiner’s statement did not indicate whether kratom was present in Clarke’s body at the time of his death.
The distinction is important because the official cause of death released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner was the effects of heroin and cocaine, while prescription medications were listed as another significant condition.
Brandon Clarke’s Death Shocks the NBA
Clarke’s death has drawn renewed attention to a player who spent seven seasons in the NBA and developed a strong connection with Memphis.
His career included more than 300 regular-season games, a strong rookie campaign and several seasons as an important member of the Grizzlies rotation.
The circumstances surrounding his death were particularly difficult for the organization because Clarke had spent his entire professional career with Memphis.
The Grizzlies previously paid tribute to Clarke, describing him as a valued teammate whose contribution to the organization and Memphis community would not be forgotten.
What the Coroner Report Says About Brandon Clarke
The medical examiner’s Friday announcement provides the official cause and manner of Clarke’s death currently available publicly.
The cause was listed as the effects of heroin and cocaine, while the manner of death was ruled an accident. Multiple prescription medications were also identified as a significant condition.
The office said the complete medical examiner report would be available at a future date. Until that report is released, additional details about the medications or other findings cannot be confirmed from the information provided.
Clarke’s death marks a tragic end to the career of a former first-round NBA pick who became an important part of the Memphis Grizzlies during seven seasons with the franchise.
FAQ: Brandon Clarke Death and Cause of Death
What was Brandon Clarke’s cause of death?
According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, Brandon Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine. Multiple prescription medications were also listed as a significant condition.
How did Brandon Clarke die?
Brandon Clarke was found unresponsive at a home in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley on May 11. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The medical examiner later ruled his death an accident.
How old was Brandon Clarke when he died?
Brandon Clarke was 29 years old when he died.
When did Brandon Clarke die?
Brandon Clarke died on May 11, 2026, according to the information provided by ESPN and the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office.
Was Brandon Clarke’s death ruled an accident?
Yes. The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office classified the manner of Clarke’s death as an accident.
Did Brandon Clarke have heroin and cocaine in his system?
The medical examiner determined that Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The specific details of the toxicology findings were not included in the source material provided.
Were prescription medications involved in Brandon Clarke’s death?
Yes. The medical examiner listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as another significant condition related to his death. The medications were not identified.
Was Brandon Clarke’s death suspicious?
The source states that authorities found no evidence of foul play. His death was officially ruled an accident.
Did Brandon Clarke play for the Memphis Grizzlies?
Yes. Clarke spent his entire seven-season NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
What were Brandon Clarke’s NBA career statistics?
Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in 309 career games for the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN.
Where did Brandon Clarke play college basketball?
Brandon Clarke played college basketball at Gonzaga, before entering the 2019 NBA Draft.
Was Brandon Clarke a first-round NBA draft pick?
Yes. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Clarke in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Did Brandon Clarke win NBA Rookie of the Year?
No. Clarke finished fourth in the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
What happened to Brandon Clarke before his death?
Before his death, Clarke had dealt with several injuries during his NBA career. He also faced an Arkansas drug-related case in April after being stopped for speeding, according to the police report cited by ESPN.
Was Brandon Clarke arrested in Arkansas?
Yes. According to the cited police report, Clarke was arrested and charged with possession and trafficking of a controlled substance after officers found approximately 1,200 pills in a blue duffel bag during a traffic stop.
Was kratom the cause of Brandon Clarke’s death?
The available medical examiner information does not say that kratom caused Clarke’s death. The official cause was the effects of heroin and cocaine. The medical examiner also did not state whether kratom was present in his body.
What injuries did Brandon Clarke suffer during his NBA career?
Clarke missed more than a year after suffering a torn Achilles in 2023 and 2024. Knee and calf problems later affected his availability.
What did the Memphis Grizzlies say about Brandon Clarke?
The Grizzlies described Clarke as an outstanding teammate and praised his impact on the organization and the Memphis community following his death.
Will the full Brandon Clarke medical examiner report be released?
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office said the full medical examiner report would be available at a future date. Additional details should not be assumed until that report is publicly released.