Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke had heroin, cocaine, morphine and multiple prescription medications in his system when he died in May, according to the full autopsy released Monday by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Clarke’s death was ruled an accident, with the medical examiner determining that the effects of heroin and cocaine caused his death. The report also listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as other significant conditions.
The 29-year-old Clarke was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a residence in the San Fernando Valley on May 11 and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The medical examiner had previously announced Aug. 7 that the effects of heroin and cocaine were the cause of death, but the full report provided additional details about the substances found in his system and at the residence.
The autopsy found morphine along with heroin and cocaine.
It also identified several prescription medications, including oxycodone and its metabolite oxymorphone, alprazolam, pregabalin, carisoprodol, meprobamate and metabolites associated with venlafaxine and chlorcyclizine. Mitragynine, the active compound in kratom, was also detected.
The report noted that some of the prescription medications were present at therapeutic levels. Despite the number of substances detected, the medical examiner identified heroin and cocaine as the primary cause of death and classified the manner of death as accidental.
The findings came more than two weeks after the medical examiner's initial announcement, which said Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine and that his death was accidental. The examination was conducted May 12 at the department's Forensic Science Center.
According to details reported from the investigation, first responders found cannabis products, vape devices, syringes and Narcan, the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, in the residence. Investigators also reported finding prescription medications, medication blister packs, vitamins and other medical-related items.
A plate containing an unidentified white powder was found in the kitchen, along with a hotel keycard.
Clarke's roommate told investigators that he had a history of drug use and had previously attended rehabilitation programs.
Clarke was last seen alive around midnight, according to details included in reports on the investigation. His roommate later became concerned after Clarke's agent was unable to reach him and checked on him at about 5 p.m. He found Clarke unresponsive, and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at approximately 5:15 p.m. The medical examiner found no evidence of fatal traumatic injuries or foul play.
Clarke's death came about six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas on drug and traffic-related charges.
Cross County authorities arrested him April 1 after an alleged high-speed pursuit in which he was accused of driving at more than 100 mph. He was charged with trafficking and possession of a controlled substance, fleeing while exceeding the speed limit and improper passing.
According to an arrest affidavit reported by The Commercial Appeal, authorities found more than 230 grams of kratom in his vehicle. Clarke was released on bond. The charges were allegations, and his death occurred before the case could proceed further.
The Arkansas case was separate from the investigation into Clarke's death in California, and the autopsy did not establish a direct connection between the arrest and the fatal drug combination.
Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies after Memphis acquired his draft rights following his selection 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The Vancouver, Canada, native played college basketball at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga. He quickly established himself in Memphis, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors after averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds during his rookie season and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
Over 309 regular-season games, including 50 starts, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. His athleticism, energy and finishing around the basket made him a valuable part of the Grizzlies' frontcourt during his career.
Injuries, however, increasingly limited his availability. He suffered a torn Achilles in 2023 and later underwent knee surgery before the 2025-26 season.
Clarke returned in December and played only two games, averaging four points and three rebounds, before a calf injury ended his season. Memphis had announced in March that he would miss the remainder of the campaign. He remained under contract through the 2026-27 season when he died.
The Grizzlies, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the National Basketball Players Association were among those who paid tribute to Clarke after his death, remembering him as a valued teammate and a positive presence within the Memphis community.
