Los Angeles authorities have ruled that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death in May was accidental and caused by the effects of heroin and cocaine. The finding provides the first official explanation for the death of the 29-year-old NBA player, whose loss was mourned by his team and the wider basketball community.

Clarke was found unresponsive at a San Fernando Valley house on 11 May 2026 and was pronounced dead by paramedics. Multiple prescription medications were also deemed a significant contributing factor, though they were not specified; a full report is due later. He played 309 NBA games, averaging 10.2 points, and had been arrested in Arkansas a month before his death on charges including possession of a controlled substance.