LOS ANGELES, CA — An investigation is underway into the death of 29-year-old NBA player Brandon Clarke, who was reportedly found dead in a San Fernando Valley home on Monday night.
Clarke had been playing in his seventh season for the Memphis Grizzlies. The team confirmed his death in a statement.
NBC Los Angeles reported that authorities responded to a home in the Valley just after 5 p.m. Monday following a 911 call about a medical emergency. Paramedics arrived to find Clarke dead.
Authorities found unspecified drug paraphernalia in the home, according to the station. TMZ reported Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose.
Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that is legal to possess in Tennessee. He was released on bond a day later.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who then traded him to Memphis. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in the 2019-20 season and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
He was hampered by a torn Achilles in 2023, but rebounded to play in 64 games last season. Various leg injuries sidelined him for much of this season.
Clarke's agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.
“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed sympathy to Clarke’s family and friends and the Grizzlies organization.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “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.”
The National Basketball Players Association said: “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.”
Material from the Associated Press and City News Service was used in this report.
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