Brandon Clarke, the veteran forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. He was just 29 years old.
The former Gonzaga Bulldogs star, who was taken with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has played for the Memphis Grizzlies for his entire career. Clarke, a first-team All-Rookie player in 2020, missed most of the 2025-26 season with a leg injury. His best year came in 2019-20, when he averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, as a first-year player.
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Tragically, Clarke was pronounced dead on Tuesday, May 12, according to reports out of Memphis.
Damichael Cole, the Memphis Grizzlies’ beat reporter for the Memphis News, broke the tragic news.
“Really sad news out of Memphis. Brandon Clarke has died. He was 29. He was great with kids. He had just established his own foundation and was committed to pouring into the Memphis community. I went to two of those events. Keep his family in prayers,” he reported.
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His agency, Priority Sports, announced the news on Tuesday.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone everyone who was part of his life,” his agency wrote.
“Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.
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“We love you, BC.”
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time on Tuesday.
May he rest in peace.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.