Medical examiner rules NBA's Brandon Clarke died accidentally from heroin and cocaine effects

Medical examiner's ruling

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced on Friday that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died accidentally on May 11 from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The combined effects of multiple prescription medications were also identified as a significant contributing condition, though the specific medications were not disclosed. The full medical examiner's report has not yet been released, with the department stating only that it will be available at a future date.

Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a residence on the 20300 block of Del Campo Place in Woodland Hills, in California's San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. on May 11, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 5:15 p.m. An assistant medical examiner conducted an autopsy the following day. Police found drugs at the scene and reported no signs of foul play.

Career with the Grizzlies

Drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by Oklahoma City, Clarke was traded to Memphis days later and spent his entire seven-year career with the Grizzlies. Over 309 games (50 starts), he averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His rookie season in 2019-20 was his best statistical campaign, with 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and he finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. The Telegraaf reported his career total at 3,144 points for the club. The team reached the playoffs four times during his tenure.

Points per game10.2

Rebounds per game5.5

Assists per game1.3

Points per game

10.2

Rebounds per game

5.5

Assists per game

1.3

Data from the article text

Injuries and final seasons

Clarke's career was derailed by a torn Achilles tendon suffered in March 2023. That injury and subsequent ailments limited him to 72 of 246 possible games across his final three seasons. During the 2025-26 campaign, knee and calf problems restricted him to just two appearances. The Grizzlies had said Clarke was expected to make a full recovery ahead of next season. He had one year remaining on a four-year contract worth $12.5 million annually.

Prior arrest

About six weeks before his death, Clarke was arrested on April 1 in Arkansas following a traffic stop. Deputies alleged he had 235 grams of kratom in a duffle bag in his car and charged him with felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance and fleeing law enforcement at speeds topping 100 mph. He also faced misdemeanor counts for a THC vape pen, unsafe lane changes, and speeding. His arraignment was scheduled for May 15 at the St. Francis County District Court in Forrest City, Arkansas. Following his death, the case was dismissed. The coroner's report did not note the presence of kratom.

Team response

The Grizzlies issued a statement after Clarke's death, saying they were heartbroken by the tragic loss.

“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”

Born in Vancouver, Canada, to a Canadian mother and Jamaican father, Clarke was raised in Phoenix. He played college basketball at Gonzaga before entering the NBA.