NBA player Brandon Clarke died from effects of heroin and cocaine, officials say

Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, passed away in May due to the consequences of heroin and cocaine use, according to authorities. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed Clarke's death as accidental. The basketball player, who was 29 years old, was discovered deceased inside a residence near Los Angeles on May 11.

Following the Grizzlies' announcement of Clarke's death, it was revealed that drug paraphernalia was discovered at the residence, based on information provided to The Associated Press by someone familiar with the investigation details, who wished to remain anonymous due to the lack of public release. Clarke was under contract with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

Six weeks prior to his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving, and possession of a controlled substance. He was driving a new Corvette at a speed exceeding 100 mph when he was stopped by authorities. Police obtained bodycam footage of the incident in July, which showed Clarke telling officers that the substance in several large bags of clear capsules inside his car was kratom, a herbal extract commonly used for pain management.

However, skeptics refer to kratom in its manufactured form as "gas station heroin" due to its high potential for addiction. Clarke had been with the Memphis Grizzlies for all seven seasons of his professional career, having completed his college education at Gonzaga. He spent the last three years dealing with injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon that required two surgical interventions on his right knee in 2025.

During the 2025 season, Clarke missed games due to a strained right calf, and the team announced that he would not be playing for the remainder of the season.