Death Scene Details

Newly obtained autopsy reports have shed light on the final moments of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, who was found dead in his San Fernando Valley home on May 11. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report, obtained by the California Post on Monday, describes a scene that included vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medications, vitamins, and other medical evidence in and around his room and attached bathroom.

On the kitchen island, investigators found a plate containing an unknown white powdery substance and a hotel key card, according to the report.

Autopsy Findings

The medical examiner's report lists the cause of death as "effects of heroin and cocaine," with "combined effects of multiple prescription medications" listed as contributory. The manner of death was classified as an accident.

Us Weekly, which obtained a separate copy of the autopsy report on August 24, reported that the toxicology results revealed heroin, cocaine, morphine, and multiple prescription medications in Clarke's system. The additional medications included oxycodone, oxymorphone, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, norchlorcyclizine, alprazolam, mitragynine, pregabalin, meprobamate, and carisoprodol. The report also listed "combined effects of multiple prescription medications" as "other significant conditions" leading to Clarke's death.

Circumstances of Death

According to the medical examiner's report, Clarke's roommate, who was not named, told investigators that Clarke had an alleged history of drug abuse and had made multiple rehabilitation attempts. On the day of his death, Clarke's agent called the roommate to check on him because they could not contact him. The roommate found Clarke unresponsive in his bed and called 911.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the emergency call shortly after 5 p.m. local time and pronounced Clarke dead at the scene.

Earlier this month, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner had announced that Clarke died from "the effects of heroin and cocaine" and that his death was ruled accidental.

Prior Legal Issues

One month before his death, Clarke was charged with speeding and possession of a controlled substance after leading police on a high-speed chase in Arkansas in April. According to the New York Post, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas after authorities found 235.6 grams of kratom in his vehicle. Clarke told officers he believed the drugs were legal, and the case was still pending at the time of his death.

Career and Tributes

Clarke, 29, was drafted by the Grizzlies in 2019 and played seven seasons for the Memphis franchise, starting 50 total games. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and was in the middle of a $52 million contract when he died.

The Grizzlies issued a statement the day after his death, saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Clarke's fiancée, Amber Lorraine, also paid tribute on social media, calling him "the most special person, with the biggest heart."