THE mystery over the death of NBA star Brandon Clarke has deepened as his body has been cleared to be released to his family.
The Memphis Grizzlies star, 29, died on Monday just days before he was set to appear in court over drug charges.
Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke was found dead on MondayCredit: Getty
In April, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas and charged with fleeing from policeCredit: Instagram/brandon_clarke23
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to reports of a medical emergency on Monday night and declared Clarke deceased at the scene, according to NBC affiliate KNBC.
An update from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his body is ready to be released to his family, but a cause of death has not yet been determined.
His cause of death has been deferred pending additional investigation.
Clarke’s death was being investigated as a possible overdose after local officials found drug paraphernalia inside of the home he was staying at, TMZ Sports reported.
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A month prior to his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas after he allegedly led police on a high-speed chase.
The basketball star was taken into custody and later charged with fleeing and possession and trafficking of a controlled substance.
Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday, saying that they were “beyond devastated.”
“Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates.”
The Memphis Grizzlies also shared their condolences in a statement saying “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke.”
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an ever better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Clarke attended Gonzaga and was drafted in the first-round by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.
He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies after the draft. He remained with the team for the past seven seasons.
Clarke played for the Memphis Grizzlies for seven seasonsCredit: AP
He was a first-round pick in 2019 after playing one year at GonzagaCredit: AP
Across 309 NBA games, Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
During the 2025-2026 NBA season, Clarke played just two games for the Grizzlies after suffering a knee injury.
Clarke also suffered a torn achilles in March 2023.
In his only season at Gonzaga, Clarke averaged 16.9 points.
“He had such a kind, gentle, and warm soul, and I will remember the great smile on he had on his face whenever you were around him,” Gonzaga, and its basketball coach Mark Few, said in a statement.
“He was a true legend who will never be forgotten here at Gonzaga.”
Grizzlies’ star point guard, Ja Morant, shared his thoughts on Instagram saying “this hurt BC.”
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