US authorities reveal cause of death for NBA player Brandon Clarke

Authorities have revealed the cause of death for former Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke, who passed away unexpectedly in May. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Department announced on Friday that the 29-year-old American died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine.

Medical examiners determined that both substances were present in his system at the time of death. Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11 by paramedics, who pronounced him dead 15 minutes after arrival. The circumstances surrounding his death have been classified as accidental.

This revelation comes nearly three months after the basketball community was rocked by the news of Clarke's passing. The player had been arrested in April in Arkansas on multiple charges, including speeding and drug possession, according to public jail records. Clarke was drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA draft and spent his entire career with the Memphis club. He averaged 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in his rookie season, earning a spot on the NBA's All-Rookie team. Jonas Valančiūnas also played alongside Clarke on the Grizzlies from 2019 to 2021. Clarke's statistics declined in subsequent seasons, averaging 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists last season. His season was cut short in December due to a second-degree right calf muscle strain sustained during a game.

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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Department determined that the cause of death for 29-year-old professional basketball player Brandon Clarke was the effects of heroin and cocaine. The circumstances of death were accidental.