Desert Vista High graduate Brandon Clarke’s death has been ruled accidental from “effects of heroin and cocaine,” the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner announced Aug. 7, in a news release.
The former NBA player died on May 11, at age 29 in Los Angeles.
“According to reports, around 1700 hours on May 11, 2026, Mr. Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom,” the news release stated. “Responding paramedics pronounced death at 1715 hours.”
Clarke underwent an examination on May 12 at the DME’s Forensic Science Center. A “cause and manner of death” were certified August 7.
Back in May, ABC News reported that narcotics were found at the scene and there is no evidence of foul play.
Clarke played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies beginning in 2019-20.
“I’m just very happy that he got to fulfill his dream of making it to the NBA,” said Tony Darden, who coached Clarke his senior year at Desert Vista in 2014-15, in a May 13 interview with The Arizona Republic. “A lot of kids don’t make it for whatever reason, and he was able to do that and be an example for a lot of young kids.”
At the time of his death, the Grizzlies tweeted a statement.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an 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.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement back in May on the death of Clarke, who was born in Vancouver, Canada.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver tweeted. “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
Clarke was part of the 2015 Desert Vista team that reached the 6A state championship game in Arizona.
The 6-foot-8-inch forward later played in college for San Jose State and Gonzaga, and was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Memphis acquired his rights soon after in a trade in July 2019, as the Thunder dealt him to the Grizzlies for Darius Bazley and a 2024 2nd-round draft pick.
Clarke averaged 10.2 points in his NBA career (309 games in the regular season).
The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement as well regarding Clarke’s death when Clarke passed away.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our brother, Brandon Clarke. This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball. Our deepest condolences go out to Brandon’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Former NBA, Desert Vista star Brandon Clarke’s cause of death revealed
