Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, who died of an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, had been struggling with a history of drug use that included prior stints in rehabilitation, according to a report released Monday by the L.A. County Medical Examiner.
Clarke, who spent his entire NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, died May 11 at a residence in Southern California. He was 29.
His agent was unable to reach him and asked Clarke’s roommate to check on him. The roommate had believed Clarke was napping or at basketball practice, but at the agent’s urging, he discovered Clarke unresponsive in his bedroom.
While the medical examiner listed the effects of heroin and cocaine as the cause of death, the office also said the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” were a contributing factor.
Toxicology testing detected oxycodone, anti-anxiety medication and muscle relaxers, noting that they were found “within therapeutic levels.” Mitragynine, which is derived from the kratom plant, was also detected and reported alongside the prescription medications.
Clarke’s death came six weeks after he was charged in Arkansas with felony counts of trafficking of a controlled substance and fleeing law enforcement at speeds topping 100 mph. Deputies alleged he had 235 grams of kratom in a duffel bag in his car at the time of his arrest April 1.
Following his death, the Grizzlies said in a statement that they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss.” Clarke had struggled with injuries during the past three seasons, but when healthy, he was one of the most impactful bench players in the NBA.
Clarke played 309 games over seven seasons for Memphis, with the team reaching the playoffs four times. Clarke had a year remaining on his four-year contract worth $12.5 million annually and was expected to make a full recovery ahead of the upcoming season.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the team wrote.
Clarke had been living in the Southern California neighborhood of Woodland Hills. His roommate told authorities that Clarke had a “history of drug use with prior stints at a rehabilitation program.”
The medical examiner said Clarke had last been seen alive around midnight on May 11 while hanging out at home with a friend. His roommate found him unresponsive around 5 p.m. that day. Paramedics pronounced Clarke dead at 5:15 p.m.
There were no signs of foul play or fatal injuries. The medical examiner ruled his death an accident.
Found inside Clarke’s bedroom and attached bathroom were vape devices, cannabis products, injectable peptides, syringes and a box of Narcan, the medical examiner wrote. A plate with a white powdery substance was found on the kitchen island.