Coroner: Grizzlies' Clarke died from drug mixture

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from "the effects of heroin and cocaine," the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office announced on Friday. The medical examiner's office declared the drugs as the official cause of Clarke's death, which it ruled an accident. They also noted "combined effects of multiple prescription medications" as another "significant condition" related to his death, though the specific medications were not disclosed.

Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive at a residence in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley on May 11. According to the medical examiner's office, paramedics discovered Clarke in a bedroom, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Narcotics were reported to have been found at the location, and sources informed ABC News that there was no indication of foul play.

The news of Clarke's death reverberated through the NBA, particularly in Memphis, where he had spent his entire seven-season career. A first-round draft pick from Gonzaga, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 career games for the Grizzlies. In a statement after his passing, the team remarked, "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."

During the 2019-20 season, Clarke finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and developed into a vital part of the team, providing a smart, dynamic presence alongside young stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Yet, injuries plagued his later years; he missed over a full year due to a torn Achilles in 2023 and 2024, while knee and calf issues hampered him to just two games in the previous season.

In April, while still recovering from his injuries, Clarke faced charges in Arkansas for possession and trafficking of a controlled substance after being pulled over for speeding. Officers discovered a blue duffel bag containing about 1,200 pills, according to police reports. Clarke claimed the contents were "just kratom," a legal substance in several states but not in Arkansas. He was arrested as a result. The medical examiner's office did not specify whether kratom was present in Clarke's body at the time of his death. The FDA has indicated that kratom is commonly used for self-treating various conditions such as pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal.