Brandon Clarke's Cause of Death a Mystery But 'Possible Overdose' Investigated for NBA Player, 29
Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has died at the age of 29. His young age and sudden death have many fans wondering about the circumstances.
Tributes flowed in for Clarke, as his official cause of death remained a mystery. However, TMZ is reporting that his death is being investigated as as a possible overdose. NBC Los Angeles also reported the same.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver was one of those mourning Clarke. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," he wrote on X. "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."
How Did Brandon Clarke Die? Brandon Clarke's Cause of Death Is Not Clear, But a Possible Overdose Is Under Investigation
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke:
— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2026
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved… pic.twitter.com/ZjxXtIycwl
According to USA Today, Clarke's agency confirmed his death on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, but didn't reveal a cause.
However, TMZ is reporting on the possible overdose angle, writing that Clarke's "death is being investigated as a possible overdose … with officials finding drug paraphernalia inside the home the Memphis Grizzlies player was staying at on Monday" May 11.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department "responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday. When paramedics arrived, they declared Clarke dead."
NBC LA also noted: "Drug paraphernalia was found in the home, and the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose." However, according to the television station, an autopsy will be conducted before an official cause of death is determined and released.
Clarke played in the NBA for seven seasons.
Brandon Clarke Had a Recent Controlled Substance Arrest, Reports Say
Clarke "was recently arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance," according to NBC Los Angeles.
On April 1, Action News 5 reported that Clarke "was booked just after 1 p.m. in Cross County, Arkansas. Clarke is charged with improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing/exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance."
According to that television station, Clarke only played for the Grizzlies after being drafted in 2019 and appeared in only two games this season because he was dealing with an injury. He was born in Canada, BBC reported, adding that he had dual citizenship, having moved to the U.S. at the age of 3.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."
His agency, Priority Sports told BBC in a statement: "He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family."
Clarke's recent posts on Instagram, although not frequent, were positive, showing him in a lounge chair, at his sister's wedding, getting a tattoo, and on the basketball court.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 3:28 PM.