NBA forward Clarke's death due to effects of drugs

What the report says

The Los Angeles County medical examiner has said Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, and ruled the death accidental. According to BBC Sport, Clarke was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a house in California’s San Fernando Valley on 11 May 2026 and was pronounced dead by paramedics. The office also listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant contributing factor, while noting that a fuller report will be released later.

BBC Sport reported that Clarke was 29. The Canada-born player, who held dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship, was a first-round NBA draft pick in 2019 and had played for the Grizzlies after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder and then traded. He had appeared in 309 NBA games with 50 starts and averaged 10.2 points.

The article said Clarke was limited to two games in the 2025-26 season because of injuries. The Grizzlies previously said they were heartbroken by his death and described him as an outstanding teammate and a valued person in the Memphis community. BBC Sport also noted that Clarke had been arrested in Arkansas about a month before his death on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance.