The death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has officially been ruled an accident, nearly three months after the 29-year-old was found unresponsive at a Los Angeles residence.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner determined that Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine.
“The manner of death is accident,” the department said in its official finding released on August 7.
Medical examiner confirms accidental death
Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom at approximately 5pm on May 11, 2026.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 5.15pm. An examination was conducted the following day, but the official cause and manner of death were not certified until August 7.
Clarke’s death was initially announced by his agency and the Grizzlies on May 12 without a confirmed cause.
The medical examiner has now ruled that his death resulted from the combined effects of heroin and cocaine. Authorities classified the death as accidental rather than natural, suicide or homicide.
The ruling was also reported by Yahoo Sports and the Associated Press.
Grizzlies remember Clarke’s impact
Clarke spent his entire seven-season NBA career with Memphis after being selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediately traded to the Grizzlies.
He played 309 regular-season games and averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per appearance. His athleticism and efficiency off the bench earned him selection to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Following his death, the Grizzlies remembered Clarke as a valued member of both the organisation and the wider Memphis community.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the club 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.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute to Clarke, describing him as “a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit”.
Born in Vancouver, Canada, Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga. His performances with the Bulldogs helped establish him as a first-round NBA prospect.
Injuries interrupted the latter stages of his professional career, including a torn Achilles in March 2023. He remained under contract with Memphis through the 2026-27 season at the time of his death.
Clarke’s passing leaves the Grizzlies and the broader basketball community mourning a player remembered as much for his character as his performances on the court.
