Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Brandon Clarke death ruled accident from heroin, cocaine effects
A basketball player named Brandon Clarke, who played for a team called the Memphis Grizzlies, sadly died in Los Angeles.
He was 29 years old.
He was found in his bedroom, and the people who came to help could not save him.
Doctors who investigate deaths said he died from the effects of two drugs called heroin and cocaine.
They said his death was an accident.
A special doctor examined him the next day, and the official cause of death was announced later on a Friday.
Brandon played basketball in high school, at San Jose State, at Gonzaga, and for the Grizzlies.
His sports agency said he was a very kind and supportive friend who made everyone happy.
Many people are very sad and will miss him very much.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died on 11 May in Los Angeles at age 29.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his cause of death as "the effects of heroin and cocaine."
The manner of death was certified as an accident.
Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
His agency, Priority Sports, announced his death on 12 May, calling him "the gentlest soul" who was loved by all.
Clarke was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, and the Oklahoma City franchise traded him to Memphis.
- Who
- Brandon Clarke, a 29-year-old forward for the Memphis Grizzlies
- What
- Died from "the effects of heroin and cocaine," with the manner of death ruled an accident by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner
- When
- On 11 May; the cause and manner of death were certified on the following Friday
- Where
- Los Angeles, where he was found unresponsive in his bedroom
- Why
- The medical examiner determined the effects of heroin and cocaine caused his death, ruling the manner an accident
- Cause of death
- Effects of heroin and cocaine
- Manner of death
- Accident
- Age at death
- 29
- Date of death
- 11 May
- Location
- Los Angeles
- How he was found
- Unresponsive in his bedroom, pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics
- Agency
- Priority Sports
- Draft history
- 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, traded from Oklahoma City to Memphis