Trending Now - Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke, 29, Passes Away Unexpectedly

WHO:

TMZ - Jaren Jackson Jr. expressed his devastation over Clarke's death, stating, "I truly lost my twin."

Daily Mail Sports - Clarke was described as having a "heartbreaking final days" before his death.

Los Angeles Times - Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, stated, "Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine."

talkSPORT - Clarke was born in Vancouver before his family moved to the United States when he was a child.

talkSPORT - Clarke celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school in Memphis.

TMZ - Clarke was staying in Los Angeles with one of his friends prior to his death.

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, confirmed his death.

NBC Los Angeles - Ja Morant, a teammate of Clarke, shared an emotional message on social media after his passing.

TMZ - Kyle Anderson, a former teammate of Brandon Clarke, expressed his grief on social media, stating he was "so f*in hurt" by Clarke's death.

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke was recently arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

NBC Los Angeles - Brandon Clarke, a 29-year-old forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has died.

WTNH - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed condolences, stating, "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

RealGM Basketball - The Grizzlies released a statement saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person."

WHAT:

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, with drug paraphernalia found in the home where he was staying.

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke played only two games in the 2025-26 season due to a calf injury.

TMZ - Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, with drug paraphernalia found inside the home where he was staying.

NBC Los Angeles - An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of Clarke’s death.

talkSPORT - Clarke signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the Memphis Grizzlies in October 2022.

CNN - Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma City, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies.

CNN - Clarke was fourth in the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year balloting and was 11th in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year voting for the 2021-22 season.

CNN - Clarke averaged 16.9 points in his one season at Gonzaga, transferring there after starting his college career at San Jose State.

CNN - Clarke was under contract for the 2026-27 season with Memphis, which went 25-57 this season.

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived shortly after 5 p.m. on the day of his death.

TMZ - The investigation into Clarke's death is ongoing, with officials looking into the circumstances surrounding the drug paraphernalia found at the scene.

NBC Los Angeles - The Grizzlies stated that Clarke's impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.

TMZ - Clarke was described as being "happy and healthy" in the days leading up to his death, according to his barber.

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke played all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies after being drafted 21st overall in 2019.

NBC Los Angeles - This past season, Clarke played just two games in December due to various injuries.

Newsweek - Brandon Clarke passed away at the age of 29.

TMZ - Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, with drug paraphernalia found at the scene.

NBC Los Angeles - An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of Clarke’s death.

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke played 309 career games in the NBA, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.

WHERE:

NBC Los Angeles - Clarke was found dead in the San Fernando Valley, California.

TMZ - The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency at Clarke's residence.

WHEN:

NY Post - Clarke's body will be released to his family as the cause of death remains "pending."

NCAA Basketball - Brandon Clarke passed away on May 11, 2026, according to TMZ Sports.

NY Post - Clarke's body will be released to his family as the cause of death remains "pending."

NCAA Basketball - Brandon Clarke passed away on May 12, 2026.

TMZ - Clarke passed away on a Monday night.

NBC Los Angeles - The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call shortly after 5 p.m. on the day of Clarke's death.

WHY:

CNN - Clarke was arrested on April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance, reportedly kratom, which is linked to the ongoing investigation into his death.

CNN - Health officials have been warning about the risks associated with kratom, a substance linked to Clarke's recent arrest and the ongoing investigation into his death.

CNN - Health officials have been warning about the risks of an opioid-related chemical known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, a component of kratom, which has gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for pain, anxiety, and drug dependence.

CNN - Health officials have been warning about the risks of an opioid-related chemical known as 7-hydroxymitragynine and a component of kratom.

TMZ - The investigation into Clarke's death is being treated as a possible drug overdose due to the presence of drug paraphernalia.

US Magazine - Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, with the cause of death still unknown.

NY Post - Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose.

HOW:

CNN - A federal report indicated that overdose deaths involving kratom were more common than previously reported, with some instances where kratom was the only substance listed.

CNN - A federal report in 2019 found that overdose deaths involving kratom were more common than previously reported, with some instances where kratom was the only substance listed.

CNN - A federal report in 2019 found overdose deaths involving the herbal supplement kratom were more common than previously reported.

NBC Los Angeles - The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call regarding a medical emergency at Clarke's residence.

TMZ - Drug paraphernalia was found inside the home where Clarke was staying, and his death is being investigated as a possible overdose.

TMZ - Officials found drug paraphernalia inside the home where Clarke was staying.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 19:33 UTC)

Jaren Jackson Jr. expressed his devastation over the death of his close friend, Clarke, stating, "I truly lost my twin." Clarke's passing is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, with drug paraphernalia discovered at the home where he was staying, and he had only played two games in the 2025-26 season due to a calf injury. His body will be released to his family as the cause of death remains "pending," following his arrest on April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance, reportedly kratom, which is now part of the investigation.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 17:40 UTC)

Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, with drug paraphernalia discovered at the home where he was staying, and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of his passing. His agency, Priority Sports, shared that everyone loved Clarke for being the most supportive friend imaginable, while health officials have been warning about the risks associated with kratom, a substance linked to his recent arrest. A federal report has indicated that overdose deaths involving kratom are more common than previously reported, with some cases listing kratom as the only substance involved.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 15:52 UTC)

Clarke, who was born in Vancouver and later moved to the United States, recently celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school in Memphis. In October 2022, he signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, health officials are raising concerns about the risks associated with 7-hydroxymitragynine, a component of kratom, which has been linked to an increase in overdose deaths according to a federal report from 2019.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 11:43 UTC)

In a notable development, Clarke, the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft from Gonzaga, was traded to the Grizzlies after being selected by Oklahoma City. He had an impressive rookie season, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting and later ranking 11th for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in the 2021-22 season, while averaging 16.9 points during his time at Gonzaga. Meanwhile, health officials are raising alarms about the dangers of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a chemical linked to kratom, with a federal report revealing that overdose deaths related to this herbal supplement were more common than previously thought.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 07:49 UTC)

Clarke was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived shortly after 5 p.m. at his residence in Los Angeles, where he had been staying with a friend. The investigation into his death is ongoing, with officials examining the drug paraphernalia found at the scene and treating it as a possible drug overdose. Clarke's body will be released to his family once the cause of death is determined, which remains pending.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 06:06 UTC)

Brandon Clarke has passed away, with reports confirming his death on May 11, 2026, according to TMZ Sports. The circumstances surrounding Clarke's death are currently under investigation, as authorities are looking into a possible drug overdose, though the exact cause remains unknown. Fans and the basketball community are mourning the loss of the talented player as more details emerge.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 04:15 UTC)

The sports world is mourning the loss of a beloved player, as Priority Sports has confirmed the death of Clarke, with his teammate Ja Morant sharing an emotional tribute on social media. The Memphis Grizzlies expressed that Clarke's impact on both the organization and the broader Memphis community will be remembered fondly. Meanwhile, Clarke's body will be released to his family, although the cause of death is still pending.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 01:32 UTC)

Brandon Clarke has tragically passed away, with former teammate Kyle Anderson expressing his deep sorrow on social media, saying he was "so f*in hurt." Just days before his death, Clarke was described as "happy and healthy" by his barber, which adds to the shock of this news. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, as drug paraphernalia was discovered at the home where he was staying, leading to speculation of a possible overdose.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 23:18 UTC)

NBA player Brandon Clarke was recently arrested in Arkansas on charges that include speeding and possession of a controlled substance. Clarke, who was drafted 21st overall in 2019, played all seven seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies but only participated in two games this past December due to injuries. Officials discovered drug paraphernalia inside the home where Clarke was staying at the time of his arrest.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 21:22 UTC)

Brandon Clarke, a 29-year-old forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has tragically passed away. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences, saying, "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization." The Grizzlies released a statement mourning the loss, describing Clarke as an outstanding teammate and an even better person. His death is currently being investigated as a possible overdose, with drug paraphernalia found at the scene, and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause. Clarke was found dead in the San Fernando Valley, California, after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency at his residence.