The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, according to a report from TMZ.
Clarke died due to the combined effects of heroin and cocaine, the report states. His death was ruled an accident.
The medical examiner said that Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom at 5:15 p.m. on May 11, TMZ reports. He was 29.
The 2025-26 season was Clarke’s seventh in the NBA. The Grizzlies released a statement following his death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the organization said. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke spent his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019-20 after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Clarke played in only two games this past season, both starts, before being sidelined with a calf injury.
Before playing in the NBA, Clarke starred at San Jose State and then transferred to Gonzaga. He averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game during his only season with the Bulldogs. Clarke was then drafted by the Grizzlies with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Priority Sports, the agency that represented Clarke, posted on X. “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 who was part of his life.”