Los Angeles authorities are investigating the death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, 29, who was discovered deceased Monday afternoon inside a San Fernando Valley residence. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m., but paramedics pronounced Clarke dead upon arrival.
"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." — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
Law enforcement sources within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have indicated to ABC News that Clarke's death appears to stem from a possible drug overdose. Narcotics and drug paraphernalia were reportedly recovered at the scene, and investigators found no immediate signs of foul play. An official investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing has been launched, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine both the precise cause and manner of death, according to NBC4 Los Angeles.
The news of Clarke's death sent shockwaves through the professional basketball world. The Memphis Grizzlies organization confirmed the devastating loss on Tuesday, expressing profound grief. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the team wrote in a statement. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the great Memphis community will not be forgotten." The Grizzlies extended their condolences to Clarke’s family during what they described as a tragic loss.
Priority Sports, Clarke's representation, also released a statement conveying their deep sorrow. "We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke," the agency stated. "He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. 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."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joined the chorus of tributes, stating, "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." Silver directed his sympathies toward Clarke’s family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also issued a statement, remarking, "This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball."
Clarke's journey in basketball began in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he was born before his family moved to Phoenix. He attended Desert Vista High School, leading his team to the Arizona Division I championship game in 2015. His collegiate career started at San Jose State, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Gonzaga University. His single season with the Bulldogs proved historic; he averaged 16.9 points, propelled Gonzaga to the NCAA tournament regional final, earned a Wooden All-America selection, and became the first player in West Coast Conference history to be named both Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Clarke in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, but he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies within two weeks, where he would spend his entire professional career. He made an immediate impact, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during his rookie season, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Clarke became a cornerstone of the 2021-22 Grizzlies squad that achieved 56 wins.
In his later career, Clarke faced significant injury challenges. A torn Achilles tendon in March 2023 limited him to just six games the following season. His final appearance in a Grizzlies uniform occurred in December, and the team announced in March that he would not return for the remainder of the season due to ongoing rehabilitation.
Weeks prior to his death, on April 1, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance identified as kratom. Kratom, an herbal supplement, is scheduled to become illegal in Tennessee on July 1. He was released on bond following the arrest. Over his seven-year career with Memphis, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 games.
Gonzaga head coach Mark Few offered a personal tribute to his former player, saying, "He had such a kind, gentle and warm soul, and I will always remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him. BC was one of the most easygoing players we have ever had, and he was part of one of the greatest teams in our program’s history." Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
