On May 11, 2026, 29‑year‑old forward Brandon Clarke was found unresponsive in a bedroom in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Paramedics pronounced the 29‑year‑old dead, and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner later ruled the death accidental, citing the combined effects of heroin and cocaine.
The examiner also in his report identified the simultaneous impact of multiple prescription medications as a significant contributor, although the specific drugs were not disclosed. An official full report on Clarke’s death is expected to be released later.
Clarke had been drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft. In the 2025‑26 season he played only two games for the Grizzlies because of injuries. Over his career, he appeared in 309 NBA games, started 50, and averaged 10.2 points per game.
A month before his death, the player was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance. The Memphis Grizzlies issued a heartfelt tribute, describing him as an outstanding teammate and a positive influence in the organization and the wider Memphis community.
Born in Vancouver, Clarke held dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship. He played collegiate basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies shortly thereafter.
