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Brandon Clarke dies at 29: Basketball world mourns sudden passing of Grizzlies forward

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May 12, 2026 - 19:02
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Brandon Clarke dies at 29: Basketball world mourns sudden passing of Grizzlies forward
Brandon Clarke Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke dies at 29: Basketball world mourns sudden passing of Grizzlies forward originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Grizzlies announced the death of forward Brandon Clarke on Tuesday afternoon. He was 29 years old.

Clarke, a former first-round pick out of Gonzaga who spent seven years in Memphis, played two games during the 2025-26 season before being ruled out for the year with a right calf strain. He earned All-Rookie First Team honors during the 2019-20 season after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds on 61.8 percent shooting.

Here's what we know so far about Clarke's untimely passing.

Brandon Clarke dies at 29

Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, announced news of his death on Tuesday afternoon. Memphis confirmed his passing in a statement released on X shortly after 2 p.m. ET.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies' statement read. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."

Clarke was limited by knee and calf injuries during the 2025-26 season, playing in just two contests. On April 1, he was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, and charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and improper passing. He was released on bond one day later.

Founder of the Brandon Clarke Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to help families dealign with tragedies in the Memphis area, Clarke was a pillar of his community.

"Every time I get to talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter," Clarke told the Memphis Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole. "I couldn't have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff."

Brandon Clarke cause of death

Clarke's cause of death hasn't yet been revealed. He died in the San Fernando Valley on Monday, authorities told NBC 4 Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency inside the home Clarke was staying at. Paramedics declared Clarke dead at the scene.

NBC 4 Los Angeles reported that drug paraphernalia was found inside the home. Authorities are investigating Clarke's death as a possible overdose.

Brandon Clarke tributes

Here's a look at some of the most noteworthy tributes to Clarke following his passing:

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