Memphis Grizzlies ahead Brandon Clarke died in Might from the consequences of heroin and cocaine, authorities stated Friday.
The Los Angeles County Division of Medical Examiner stated the 29-year-old basketball participant’s demise was unintentional.
Clarke was discovered useless inside a house close to Los Angeles on Might 11. An individual accustomed to the phrases of the investigation advised The Related Press after the Grizzlies introduced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was discovered on the residence. The individual had spoken on situation of anonymity as a result of these particulars had not been launched publicly.
Clarke was underneath contract to be with the Grizzlies by means of the 2026-27 season.
About six weeks earlier than he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on prices of dashing, reckless driving and possessing a managed substance.
Clarke was driving a brand new Corvette over 100 mph when he was pulled over, officers stated. Bodycam video of the incident was obtained by CBS Information in July. Officers searched Clarke’s automobile and located a number of massive baggage of clear capsules containing a inexperienced powdery substance, in response to a police report.
Whereas handcuffed behind the police car, Clarke within the video advised officers: “It is simply kratom,” which is a natural extract. Kratom has been used for hundreds of years and has been recognized to assist handle ache. However in its new manufactured type, skeptics name kratom “gasoline station heroin” as a result of it may be extremely addictive.
Clarke was with Memphis for all seven of his professional seasons after ending his school profession at Gonzaga.
He spent a lot of the final three years injured. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2023 and underwent two procedures on his proper knee in 2025. This previous season, he missed video games with a strained proper calf and the staff had stated he was out for the season.
