The death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has been linked to drug use
The death of Brandon Clarke, a forward for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, in May was caused by heroin and cocaine. This was reported by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, according to the BBC.
The coroner’s office ruled the 29-year-old basketball player’s death an accidental death. Clark was found unconscious in a bedroom at a home in the San Fernando Valley on May 11, 2026. Paramedics who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead.
The coroner’s office also noted that the combined effects of several prescription medications were a contributing factor. They did not specify exactly which medications were involved. A full report on the case is expected to be released later.
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Clark was born in Vancouver and held both Canadian and U.S. citizenship. He was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. After attending San Jose State and Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and was soon traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
During his NBA career, he played in 309 games, starting 50 of them, and averaged 10.2 points per game. During the 2025–2026 season, Clark played only two games due to injuries. In 2020, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
A month before his death, the basketball player was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance. Following Clark’s death, the Memphis Grizzlies stated that they were deeply saddened by the loss of a player they described as an outstanding teammate and a person whose contributions to the club and the Memphis community will not be forgotten.
