NBA star Brandon Clarke died from heroin, cocaine effects, examiner rules

What the report says

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has ruled that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died accidentally from the effects of heroin and cocaine, according to Al Jazeera’s report citing Reuters. The office also said combined effects of multiple prescription medications were a significant contributing condition, though it did not identify those drugs in the publicly available details. Clarke died on May 11, and the medical examiner’s full report has not yet been released.

Al Jazeera reported that Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a residence in California’s San Fernando Valley and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A medical examination was completed the next day before the cause and manner of death were formally certified on Friday. The report places the ruling in the context of an ongoing review of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Clarke spent his seven-year NBA career with Memphis after playing collegiately at Gonzaga. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over 309 games and was fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2019-20. His later seasons were affected by injuries, including an Achilles tear in 2023 and limited appearances in the 2025-26 season. Al Jazeera also noted that Clarke had been arrested in Arkansas about six weeks before his death on drug-related charges. The Grizzlies described him as a valued teammate and person whose impact reached beyond the team.