Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was found dead at a residence in the Los Angeles area on Monday, May 11, 2026. The 29-year-old NBA veteran, who faced numerous injuries during his career, is now the subject of an investigation as authorities prepare to determine an official cause of death.
First responders discovered drug paraphernalia at the scene, according to a person familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press. While the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not released a final report, NBC4 Los Angeles indicated that police are examining the incident as a potential overdose.
The Grizzlies organization expressed deep sorrow following the news of the death of the former Gonzaga standout. Clarke had spent his entire professional career with the franchise after being acquired in a draft-day trade in 2019.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” read a statement from the Grizzlies.
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The player’s representation at Priority Sports also shared their grief over the loss of the veteran forward. They highlighted his character and the personal connections he maintained throughout the league.
“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” read the statement from Priority Sports.
The agency further emphasized his reputation for kindness among his peers and family. The statement continued to describe his personal nature.
“He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family,” read the statement from Priority Sports.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement honoring Clarke’s tenure and leadership within the Memphis organization. Silver noted the player’s reputation for tenacity on the court.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the specific qualities that made Clarke a staple of the Grizzlies’ roster for several years. He pointed to the energy Clarke brought to the game.
“As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit,” Silver said.
Gonzaga University and head coach Mark Few also released a joint tribute to their former star. Clarke was a pivotal member of the 2018-19 Bulldogs team that reached the Elite Eight.
“He had such a kind, gentle and warm soul, and I will remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him,” read a statement from Gonzaga and its coach, Mark Few.
The program reflected on his demeanor during his time in Spokane and his contribution to their historical success. His personality was a hallmark of his collegiate career.
“BC was one of the most easygoing players we have ever had, and he was part of one of the greatest teams in our program’s history,” read a statement from Gonzaga and its coach, Mark Few.
Former teammate Ja Morant paid tribute on social media, sparking a wave of community support for Clarke’s charitable interests. Morant specifically encouraged fans to support ARISE2Read, a literacy non-profit Clarke championed.
“love you broski. gone way too soon,” Morant wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday.
The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement recognizing the bond Clarke shared with others in the league. The organization emphasized his impact beyond basketball statistics.
“This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood,” the National Basketball Players Association said.
The union noted that Clarke’s legacy would be defined by the happiness he provided to those around him. His off-court relationships were a primary focus of their message.
“We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball,” the National Basketball Players Association said.
La Tonya Mouzon, executive director of ARISE2Read, noted that Clarke had a unique ability to connect with students. She recalled a visit where he emphasized the value of education.
“What stood out to me was how naturally he interacted with the children and how genuine he was,” La Tonya Mouzon, executive director of ARISE2Read, told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday.
Mouzon observed that Clarke’s passion for the cause was evident in his delivery. She described his sincerity when speaking to the children.
“You can tell when someone is saying something scripted versus when someone really means what he’s saying. He looked the children in their eyes and told them that this was something very important, that this was something they should value,” Mouzon said.
The organization expressed gratitude for the time Clarke spent supporting their mission in Memphis. They highlighted the shared goal of improving local literacy.
“We’re really grateful to have known Brandon and to have met him and interacted with him with a joint purpose of improving literacy in the city of Memphis,” Mouzon said.
The impact of Clarke’s injuries was a frequent topic among those close to him, according to truehoop.com. One teammate noted that Clarke remained supportive even while sidelined.
“As I struggled to get rotation minutes, Brandon was the most giving teammate with his words, telling me how well I’m doing in practice and that my time would come,” one player said according to truehoop.com.
Clarke played only 72 games over the last three seasons due to a torn Achilles and other health setbacks. An autopsy is pending to provide definitive answers regarding his passing.