What Happened to Brandon Clarke? Memphis Grizzlies Forward Found Dead at 29

Brandon Clarke, a seven-year Memphis Grizzlies Forward, has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 29.

The Memphis Grizzlies posted the following statement to their social media pages shortly after 1 p.m.:

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

According NBC Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call for a medical emergency in the San Fernando Valley shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday. Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene.

NBC Los Angeles reports that Clarke’s death is currently being investigated as a possible drug overdose after authorities found drug paraphernalia in the home.

Just months ago, Clarke was arrested in Indiana over drug-related charges.

According to the Cross County Sheriff’s Office, Clarke was booked into jail on April 1, 2026, for fleeing/exceeding the speed limit, trafficking a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.

The California Post obtained the probable cause affidavit for Clarke’s arrest, where it stated he was in possession of 235.6 grams of Kratom, a powdery-green substance in capsule form.

What is Kratom?

According to a DEA report, Kratom is a tree found in Southeast Asia, and users ingest the leaves of the tree to experience its effects. In low doses, the drug can act as a stimulant, whereas in high doses, it acts as a sedative.

The DEA currently considers Kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern.” The report further states that “Kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act; however, there may be some state regulations or prohibitions against the possession and use of kratom.”

In Arkansas, Kratom is illegal and considered a Schedule I controlled substance, according to the Arkansas Times. Arkansas is also one of five states in the U.S. that criminalizes Kratom.

Who was Brandon Clarke?

Brandon Clarke was a Vancouver, Canada native, born in 1996 to his parents Whitney Triplett and Steve Clarke, according to ESPN.

Clarke played at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA., prior to being drafted to the NBA. At Gonzaga, Clarke excelled averaging 16.9 points per game, and scoring a career-high 36 points as a Junior.

“I remember watching Brandon Clarke just dominate against Baylor in the 2019 March Madness tournament,” said 21-year-old Dalton Peterson. “36 points in a playoff game isn’t something that you see every year.”

With the 21st pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma Thunder selected Brandon Clarke. Just two weeks after being drafted, Memphis acquired his draft rights.

Brandon Clarke played exceptionally well in the 2019 Las Vegas Summer league, racking up four double-double’s and being awarded the Summer League MVP, Bleacher Report states.

Clarke played as a power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies for seven seasons. He played a total of 309 games throughout his entire career with Memphis.

Clarke was often plagued with injuries. Per the Washington Post, Clarke tore his achilles in 2023, causing him to miss games into the 2024 season. Following that, he suffered a PCL injury, once again, cutting his season short.

Clarke returned to the team in December of the 2025-26 NBA season, but after a calf injury caused him to be out for a number of games, for the fourth season in a row. In March, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that Clarke wouldn’t return for the remainder of the season, according to the Washington Post.

“Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed. We love you, BC,” Wrote his agency, Priority Sports, on X.