Coroner: Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke died from effects of cocaine, heroin
Key Points:
- Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from the combined effects of heroin and cocaine, with multiple prescription medications also noted as significant factors; his death was ruled an accidental overdose by the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office.
- Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive at a home in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley on May 11 and was pronounced dead at the scene; narcotics were found, but no foul play was suspected.
- Clarke spent his entire seven-season NBA career with the Grizzlies, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds, and was known for his role as a high-energy teammate alongside stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
- In April, Clarke was charged in Arkansas with possession and trafficking of controlled substances after being found with about 1,200 pills in a traffic stop; he claimed the pills were kratom, which is illegal in Arkansas but legal in some other states.
- Clarke had faced significant injury challenges in recent years, including a torn Achilles and other issues that limited his playing time, and his death has deeply affected the Memphis basketball community.