Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Died From Effects of Heroin and Cocaine, Medical Examiner Says

Liam O'Connell

8/10/20261 min read

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday, nearly three months after the Vancouver-born basketball player was found dead at a home near Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that Clarke’s death was accidental.

Clarke was 29.

He was found dead inside a residence near Los Angeles on May 11.

Drug Paraphernalia Reportedly Found at Residence

Following the Grizzlies’ announcement of Clarke’s death, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that drug paraphernalia had been found at the residence.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because those details had not been publicly released at the time.

The medical examiner has now determined that Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine.

Arrested Weeks Before His Death

Approximately six weeks before his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possession of a controlled substance.

The charges were separate from the circumstances surrounding his death.

Clarke had spent his entire seven-season NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies and remained under contract with the team through the 2026-27 season.

Vancouver-Born Forward Played College Basketball at Gonzaga

Born in Vancouver, Clarke completed his college basketball career at Gonzaga before beginning his professional career with Memphis.

He went on to spend all seven of his NBA seasons with the Grizzlies.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has classified his May 11 death as accidental.

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