Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from heroin and cocaine overdose

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said Friday, after an accidental overdose involving heroin and cocaine. Clarke, 29, was discovered dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A source familiar with the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said drug paraphernalia was found at the residence, though those details have not been released publicly.

Clarke was under contract with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season. About six weeks before his death, he was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possession of a controlled substance. He had spent his entire NBA career with Memphis after completing his college tenure at Gonzaga.