Memphis Grizzlies forward The Athletic died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, according to a report released by the L.A. County Medical Examiner. The medical examiner also listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications
as a significant contributing factor in the death of the 29-year-old basketball player.
Medical Examiner Rules Brandon Clarke Death an Accidental Overdose
According to the coroner’s report, emergency responders arrived at a residence in the 20300 block of Del Campo Place in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, following an emergency call just after 5 p.m. on May 11. Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom and was pronounced dead by paramedics at 5:15 p.m.
The medical examiner’s office stated that a full autopsy report will be released at a later date, which will include the specific names of the prescription medications found in his system.
Memphis Grizzlies and Basketball Community Mourn Loss
Following his passing, the Memphis Grizzlies released a statement expressing that the team was heartbroken by the tragic loss
of the forward who spent his entire NBA career with the organization. Yahoo Sports noted that Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
Clarke played 309 games over seven seasons for Memphis, helping the team reach the playoffs four times. Although he had struggled with injuries during the previous three seasons, the team anticipated he would make a full recovery ahead of the upcoming season. At the time of his death, he was in the final year of a four-year contract.
Mark Few, Clarke’s former college coach at Gonzaga University, remembered him fondly. He was just so easy to coach,
Few said. Every time you’d see him walking around the facility, he had a smile on his face.
Clarke led NCAA Division I with a 68.7 field-goal percentage during his college career before being selected in the first round—21st overall—of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Recent Legal Proceedings in Arkansas Prior to Death
Clarke’s death occurred six weeks after he was arrested and charged in Arkansas with felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance and fleeing law enforcement at speeds topping 100 mph.
Deputies alleged that Clarke had 235 grams of kratom in a duffel bag inside his car during the April 1 traffic stop. Kratom is a plant-based substance not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While considered a felony narcotic in Arkansas, the substance was legal in Tennessee, where Clarke also owned a home. The coroner’s report did not note the presence of kratom in his system.
Additionally, Theprovince faced misdemeanor charges for possessing a THC vape pen, speeding, and making unsafe lane changes. He had been scheduled to appear for an arraignment on May 15 at the St. Francis County District Court in Forrest City, Arkansas, but the case was dismissed following his death.
