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See the full story · 4 sourcesMemphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (R) takes a shot over Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (L) on Feb. 5, 2020, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Los Angeles County Coroner on Friday ruled Clarke died accidentally on May 11 from the effects of heroin and cocaine. File Photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA-EFE
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died accidently from the effects of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled Friday.
Clarke, 29, also was taking "multiple prescription medicines" which were listed as a "significant condition" in his May 11 death , according to the coroner's report .
County officials said Clarke was found unresponsive in the bedroom of his Los Angeles residence that day. Responding paramedics pronounced death at 5:15 p.m.
A deputy medical examiner conducted an examination of Clarke on May 12, with the cause and manner of death being certified on Friday.
Clarke entered the league as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He appeared in 309 games for the Grizzlies, including only two in the 2025-26 season while dealing with knee and calf injuries.
He averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists over his seven-year NBA career.
The Grizzlies issued a tribute to Clarke on May 12 as news of his death was announced, calling him "an outstanding teammate and even better person."
pic.twitter.com/RvDXJCxlWQ — Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 12, 2026
When he died, Clarke was working on a four-year, $50 million contract extension signed in 2022.
At 6-foot-8 and 215 pounds, Clarke entered the NBA after a stellar collegiate career at San Jose State and Gonzaga, earning first-team All-American honors in 2018-19 with Gonzaga, who advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament that season.
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