Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29.
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The news was confirmed by the Memphis Grizzlies, where the NBA forward played his entire seven-season career. His cause of death is not currently known.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the team said in a statement. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
"We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Who Is Brandon Clarke?
Clarke was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sep. 16, 1996. Three years later, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. The 6-foot-7 power forward was named an All-Arizona Division 1 honoree in 2015 after leading the Desert Vista High School Thunder to the championship game that year.
After playing for San Jose State and Gonzaga in college, he was selected 21st in the 2019 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was then traded to the Grizzlies several weeks later.
He quickly made a name for himself in the league, scoring 27 points in two games during his first season. Despite being sidelined due to a right quad injury, Clarke made the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Clarke helped lead the Grizzlies to two playoff appearances in 2021 and 2022. His last season ended in December after suffering a Grade 2 right calf strain in a home game against the Washington Wizards.
Clarke's Death Is Under Investigation
On May 11, after 5 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call from the San Fernando Valley. As reported by NBC 4 Los Angeles, Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene.
Drug paraphernalia was found in the home. Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
This news comes after Clarke was arrested in Arkansas last month. He was facing multiple charges, including speeding and drug possession.
Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, said in a statement: "He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest 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 friends and teammates."
