Brandon Clarke's autopsy reveals multiple drugs in his system
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 9:04 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026

An autopsy conducted by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on Brandon Clarke, a player for the Memphis Grizzlies, found cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and other prescription drugs in his system at the time of death on May 11. The report stated that the combined effects of these substances contributed to his accidental death. At the time of his passing, Clarke was under recovery for injuries that limited his play during the previous season. His history of drug use, including an arrest for drug-related charges just weeks prior, has raised concerns. Clarke's family is expected to receive the full value of his contract through an insurance policy following his death.
- •Brandon Clarke died on May 11, 2026, at age 29.
- •The autopsy ruled his death an accident due to drug effects.
- •He was arrested in April 2026 on drug charges.
- •Clarke had missed most of the 2025-26 season due to injuries.
- •His contract was insured, ensuring the $12.5 million payout to his family.
- 9:04 PMYahoo Sports — Brandon Clarke's full autopsy finds multiple prescription drugs in system
"A full autopsy of Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke revealed he had cocaine, heroin and multiple prescription drugs in his system when he died.
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