Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29.
The news broke on Tuesday, May 12, when the Grizzlies and Clarke’s agency each made separate statements about his passing. He was remembered as a light in the community and for his passion on the court.
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NBC4 Los Angeles reports that Clarke’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose. Per NBC4, the Los Angeles Fire Department received a 911 call on the evening of Monday, May 11 to assist with a medial emergency in the San Fernando Valley. When authorities arrived on the scene, they found Clarke deceased. The outlet said that responders found evidence of drug usage on the scene and are investigating accordingly.
Clarke was arrested in April and handed multiple charges, including trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
Brandon Clarke’s NBA career
Clarke spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he averaged 10.2 points per game. This season, he suffered a calf injury in December that sidelined him for the rest of the Grizzlies’ campaign.
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The Vancouver, Canada, native was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and was traded to Memphis that day. He was part of the All-Rookie team and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 12.1 points per outing that season.
Brandon Clarke’s college basketball career
Clarke played one season at Gonzaga, where he and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura made it to the Elite Eight in 2019. In their second-round win over Baylor, Clarke had a school record 36 points, the most by a Bulldog in an NCAA Tournament contest.
He transferred to Gonzaga after playing two seasons at San Jose State.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happened to Brandon Clarke? Cause of death being investigated
