Seventh-year Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the team announced Tuesday.
His death is being investigated as a potential overdose, according to multiple reports, after police found drug paraphernalia inside the California home he was occupying Monday.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials received a 911 call about a medical emergency after 5pm on Monday, and paramedics declared Clarke dead after arriving at a San Fernando Valley residence, authorities told NBC Los Angeles.
An autopsy reportedly is set to determine the official cause of death.
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“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke appeared in two games with Memphis this season due to knee and calf injuries, and played in 309 in his career after being selected 21st overall out of Gonzaga by the Thunder in the 2019 NBA Draft.
He began his college career with San Jose State before working his way into the first round by earning All-American honours during his lone active season with Gonzaga.
Oklahoma City traded him to Memphis a few weeks after the draft.
The Vancouver native averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across his career, and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in the 2019-20 season after averaging a career-best 12.1 points per game.
He earned All-Rookie First-Team honours.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organisation.”
Clarke signed a four-year, US$52 million extension with Memphis in October 2022, but struggled to stay healthy over the next few seasons.
A torn Achilles tendon suffered late in the 2022/23 season limited him to six games the following year, and he underwent knee surgery last fall for knee synovitis that sidelined him to start the campaign.
Clarke returned for two games in December before a calf strain derailed the rest of his season, with the team announcing in March he would not return later in the season.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Clarke’s agents at Priority Sports said in a statement.
“He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the greatest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friend and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.
“Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed. We love you, BC.”
Ahead of his final season and the day before he turned 29, Clarke donated US$1,500 to a local Memphis school to help literacy awareness, plus funding supplies, per the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
He also created the Brandon Clarke Foundation in 2025.
“Every time I get to talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter,” Clarke told the outlet last September.
“I couldn’t have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff.”
Clarke dealt with legal issues last month when he was arrested on drug charges in Arkansas.
He faced charges of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and improper passing.
The case was still open, per TMZ.
This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission
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