Coroner Confirms: NBA Star Brandon Clarke Died from Heroin and Cocaine

The Los Angeles County coroner's office announced on Friday that Brandon Clarke, a forward for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, died from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The death of the 29-year-old basketball player, which occurred on May 11, 2026, was ruled an accident.

According to the report, the combined effects of multiple prescription drugs were also identified as a significant contributing factor, although the specific medications have not been publicly disclosed. The full coroner's report is not yet available to the public.

Found Unconscious in California

Clarke was found unconscious in a bedroom of a residence in California's San Fernando Valley. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The coroner conducted an autopsy the following day, but the official cause and manner of death were only confirmed on Friday, August 8.

His death came approximately six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas. Clarke was facing charges that included possession and trafficking of a controlled substance following a traffic stop.

Career Marked by Injuries

Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career in Memphis, after finishing his college career at Gonzaga. In 309 games played, 50 of which he started, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. In the 2019-20 season, he finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

His final seasons were marred by injuries. He missed more than a year due to a torn Achilles tendon in 2023, and in the 2025-26 season, he appeared in only two games due to knee and calf issues.

Grizzlies Mourn an "Exceptional Teammate"

"He was an exceptional teammate and an even better person,"

the Memphis Grizzlies said in a statement following Clarke's death, adding that his impact extended far beyond the organization and deep into the Memphis community.