Memphis Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies At 29 In Los Angeles San Fernando Valley

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was found dead at a home in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Calif., on Monday, and he was 29, according to the L.A. County medical examiner.

“Brandon Clarke, an athlete for the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States, has died at the age of 29, according to his team, the Memphis Grizzlies”

Al Jazeera

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an emergency call and reported to a residence in the 20300 block of Del Campo Place in the Woodland Hills neighborhood a little after 5 p.m. Monday, and Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene.

Al Jazeera

Clarke’s death came after his April 1 arrest in Arkansas, where he was charged with felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance and fleeing law enforcement at high speeds, and misdemeanor counts of drug possession and traffic violations.

The Grizzlies said in a statement, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” and the team added that “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person.”

The NBA commissioner Adam Silver later said the league was “devastated” by Clarke’s passing, calling him a “beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous pride and grit.”

Ja Morant posted tributes on social media after Clarke’s death, writing in an Instagram Story post, “This hurt BC,” and adding, “It’s bigger than basketball.”

Morant also shared a video featuring him with Clarke during the 2019 NBA Summer League when he won MVP, saying, “I’m walking with a GOAT right here.”

BBC

The Grizzlies statement Tuesday said, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” and it described Clarke as “an outstanding teammate and an even better person.”

NBC News reported that drug paraphernalia was found in the home and that the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose, citing law enforcement sources.

CBS Sports said the cause of death is pending additional investigation, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, while the Guardian reported police believe Clarke may have died of an overdose and do not suspect foul play.

Clarke was the 21st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, initially selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Grizzlies, and he played in 309 games for Memphis.

“Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29: No”

CBS Sports

The New York Times said Clarke helped the Grizzlies reach the playoffs four times, and it noted he averaged 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 19.5 minutes in his third year on a team that finished 56-26.

CBS Sports said Clarke only played two games this season after recovering from a knee injury and then suffering a season-ending calf injury in December, and it described him as a “tough, defensive-minded player.”

The Guardian added that a cause of death was not announced, and it quoted Priority Sports saying, “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBC Los Angeles reported that an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of Clarke’s death, while the Grizzlies and NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued statements mourning his passing.