Memphis Grizzlies power forward Brandon Clarke was found dead at a residence in the San Fernando Valley on May 11, and authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Clarke was 29 and was in his seventh season in the NBA.
After starring at Gonzaga, Clarke was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick in the 2019 Draft. He was traded to Memphis and earned All-Rookie team honors in 2020. Clarke only played two games for Memphis in the 2025-26 season due to various injuries.
He averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 309 games in his career.
Here’s the latest information about Clarke’s passing:
Brandon Clarke cause of death
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Clarke’s body is ready for release, and the cause of death has been deferred.
Authorities have said that drug paraphernalia was found in the home where Clark was found and that “the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose.”
What happened with Brandon Clarke’s arrest?
Clarke was arrested on April 1, 2026, after a mile-long chase that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour in Arkansas.
Clarke was found with over 230 grams of kratom, per an arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal. According to the Mayo Clinic, kratom has been deemed unsafe and ineffective as a supplement and a possible way to quit opioids.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that kratom is a drug of concern, and in Arkansas, it is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandon Clarke cause of death: Latest on Grizzlies player death
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