Cause of death revealed for former Gonzaga star Brandon Clarke

Authorities said Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine.

Aug 7, 2026, 6:18 PM

Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies during a game on Feb. 11, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward and former Gonzaga Bulldogs star Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental.

Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the Grizzlies announced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.

After sitting out a year due to transfer rules, Clarke helped Gonzaga reach the Elite Eight while averaging 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in 37 games during the 2018-19 season. He was named to the All-America third team by the Associated Press.

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Clarke 21st overall in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.

Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga.

The Seattle Sports staff made additions to this post.

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