The circumstances surrounding the death of Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke remain unclear after his sudden passing on Monday, May 11.
Clarke’s cause and manner of death have been deferred, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s website. The office indicated that the results are “pending additional investigation.”
The NBA star’s body has been listed as ready for release, though it’s unclear whether his family has acted on that.
Clarke was pronounced dead at age 29 on Monday after the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to a home in the San Fernando Valley shortly after 5 p.m., according to NBC4 Los Angeles.
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Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found in the home, and Clarke’s death is being treated as a possible overdose.
Clarke played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Grizzlies, though he was limited to just two games during the 2025–26 season as he dealt with injuries.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement released via social media on Tuesday, May 12. “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.”
Clarke’s management agency, Priority Sports, said they were “beyond devastated” by his death.
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“He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched,” the agency said in a statement. “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. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
The statement continued, “Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed. We love you, BC.”
Many of Clarke’s teammates, including Grizzlies star Ja Morant, also posted tributes to him after the news broke.
At the time of his death, Clarke was facing charges of speeding and possession of a controlled substance after leading police on a high-speed chase in Arkansas last month.