LOS ANGELES — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said on Aug. 7.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental.
Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. After the Grizzlies announced Clarke’s passing, a person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.
Clarke was under contract to play for the Memphis Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He played for the Memphis Grizzlies for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga University.
