Brandon Clarke dies from accidental overdose, autopsy reveals details
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 12:03 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Brandon Clarke, former Memphis Grizzlies forward and Phoenix Desert Vista standout, died of an accidental drug overdose on May 11, 2026. Autopsy reports indicate a combination of heroin and cocaine, with other drugs present at therapeutic levels. Clarke had a history of drug use and rehabilitation, and drug paraphernalia was found at his residence. He was arrested in Arkansas shortly before his death on charges related to drug trafficking. Clarke was a first-round NBA draft pick in 2019, formerly averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his career in Memphis.
- •Clarke was 29 years old at the time of his death.
- •He had a history of drug rehabilitation and arrests for substance-related offenses.
- •No signs of foul play were found at Clarke's residence.
- •Clarke was a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
- •He averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his NBA career.
- 12:03 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Desert Vista star Clarke's full autopsy release shows deeper detail
"Former Memphis Grizzlies veteran and ex-Phoenix Desert Vista standout Brandon Clarke died of an accidental drug overdose on May 11.
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