Brandon Clarke’s death ruled accidental after autopsy finds multiple drugs

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke had heroin, cocaine, morphine and several prescription medications in his system when he died, according to autopsy results released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

The 29-year-old NBA player died on May 11 after he was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a residence in California’s San Fernando Valley. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The medical examiner ruled Clarke’s death an accident. The report identified the combined effects of heroin and cocaine as the cause of death. It also listed the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant contributing condition.

First responders reported finding cannabis products, vaping devices, syringes, Narcan and an unidentified white powder at the residence. The medical examiner had previously released preliminary findings with similar details.

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Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies after playing college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga.

He appeared in 309 NBA games, including 50 starts, and averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. He also finished fourth in the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year voting.

Clarke played only two games during his final season, both starts in December. He averaged four points and three rebounds in those appearances.

A knee operation kept him out at the start of the season, while a calf injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.