Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke had heroin, cocaine, morphine and multiple prescription drugs in his system when he died, according to the autopsy results released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on Monday.
His death was ruled an accident. The effects of heroin and cocaine were ruled to be the cause of death, with the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” listed as “other significant conditions.”
On May 11, Clarke, 29, was discovered unresponsive in a bedroom at a residence in the San Fernando Valley and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
First responders on the scene where Clarke was found reported they saw cannabis products, vape devices, syringes, Narcan and an unidentified “powdery white substance.”
The autopsy release came more than two weeks after a preliminary announcement from the medical examiner included largely the same information.
Clarke played his full seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies after playing college ball for San Jose State and Gonzaga. Over 309 games (50 starts), he averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds, and he wound up fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2019-20.
Last season, he appeared in just two games for Memphis, both starts in December, and he averaged four points and three rebounds. He missed the beginning of the season following a knee operation and the end of the campaign because of a calf injury.
