Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke had various prescription drugs in his system when he died, including heroin, cocaine, and morphine, according to autopsy reports.
The medical examiner ruled the effects of heroin and cocaine as the cause of death, and the "combined effects of multiple prescription medications" was listed as "other significant conditions."
The medical examiner had classified his death as accidental on Aug. 7.
Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a residence in the San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles area on May 11. He was pronounced dead at the scene, just 15 minutes after emergency responders arrived, according to the medical examiner.
Emergency personnel reported that they observed cannabis products, vape devices, syringes, and an unidentified "powdery white substance” at his home. Narcan, a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids, was also found in his residence, responding crews reported.
Roughly six weeks before he died, the NBA player was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving, and possessing a controlled substance roughly six weeks before his death.
On April 1, the Cross County Sheriff’s Department booked him into jail for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.
Clarke was in his seventh season and spent his entire professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
In December 2025, Clarke made his season debut but played only two games before suffering a right calf injury.
The Canadian-born, six-foot-eight forward was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA draft and quickly emerged as a key player for the Grizzlies. Clarke earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in his first season and helped the Grizzlies reach the playoffs during his career.
Clarke played college basketball at San Jose State University and Gonzaga before entering the NBA. In seven seasons with Memphis, he appeared in more than 300 games and averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
His agency, Priority Sports, described him as “the gentlest soul who was always the first to be there for all his friends and family," while the Grizzlies organization paid tribute to the NBA veteran and called him "an outstanding teammate and even better person."
Clarke was under contract with the team through the 2026-27 season.