Coroner rules Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death an accident
The 29-year-old was found unresponsive at a San Fernando Valley residence in May; the Memphis Grizzlies have paid tribute to the seven-year NBA veteran.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has officially ruled the death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke an accident, citing the effects of a mixture of heroin and cocaine as the cause. The determination was announced on Friday, concluding an initial investigation that began after Clarke was discovered unresponsive at a home in the San Fernando Valley on the evening of 11 May.
In a brief statement regarding the findings, the medical examiner’s office confirmed that the official cause of death was the combined effects of the two substances. The office noted that the full Medical Examiner report would be made available at a future date, indicating that the current ruling represents a summary of findings rather than the complete forensic documentation.
Clarke, 29, was found at the residence in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. At the time of the discovery, sources told ABC News that narcotics were present at the scene, though there was no evidence to suggest foul play. The initial emergency call led to Clarke being pronounced dead at the location.
The ruling has sent shockwaves through the National Basketball Association, particularly within Memphis, where Clarke spent his entire seven-season career. Drafted in 2019, the Vancouver-born forward played only two games during the 2025–26 season due to injuries before his death.
In response to the news, the Memphis Grizzlies issued a statement honouring Clarke’s character and professional contributions. The team described him as an outstanding teammate and an even better person, emphasising that his impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community would not be forgotten.
