Former Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office announced Friday.
The medical examiner also cited the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant factor in Clarke’s death, according to Melody Gutierrez of The Athletic.
Those medications were not identified in Friday’s report but are expected to be listed when the full autopsy report is released.
Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11 following a 911 call and was pronounced dead by paramedics. He was 29.
Drug paraphernalia was found at the home, and authorities had been investigating Clarke’s death as a possible overdose.
Clarke spent his entire NBA career with Memphis after being selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 draft. The Vancouver native played collegiately at San Jose State and Gonzaga before entering the NBA.
A 6-foot-8 forward known for his energy and efficiency off the bench, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the field in 309 regular-season games.
His career was slowed by injuries in recent years, including a torn Achilles suffered in March 2023. Knee and calf issues limited him to two appearances during the 2025-26 season.
Clarke had also been arrested in Arkansas in April on multiple charges, including trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities reportedly found more than 230 grams of kratom in his possession following a police pursuit.
Friday’s report did not indicate whether kratom was present in Clarke’s system when he died.
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