Former NBA, Desert Vista star Brandon Clarke's cause of death revealed

Brandon Clarke, a former NBA player and Desert Vista High School graduate, died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 29. The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner announced that his cause of death was accidental, due to the effects of heroin and cocaine. Clarke was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles bedroom around 5:00 PM on May 11 and was pronounced dead at 5:15 PM by paramedics. A forensic examination conducted on May 12 confirmed the cause and manner of death.

Clarke's NBA career spanned seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, beginning in the 2019-20 season. He averaged 10.2 points per game in 309 regular-season NBA games. Clarke's journey to the NBA was marked by his time at Desert Vista High School, where he played all seven seasons, including the 2015 team that reached the 6A state championship game in Arizona.

He later attended college at San Jose State and Gonzaga before being drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he was later traded to the Grizzlies.

Upon Clarke's death, the Grizzlies expressed their condolences, calling him an "outstanding teammate" and "better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also mourned Clarke's passing, praising his passion and grit on the court. The National Basketball Players Association expressed their grief as well, honoring Clarke's genuine friendships beyond basketball.